According to a new study, American children from marginalized groups are more likely to attend schools with high levels of air pollution.
The study, published in the journal Science Advances, looked at data from more than 26,000 public schools across the country. It found that schools in areas with a high concentration of poverty and/or a large minority population were more likely to have higher levels of air pollution.
This is a problem because exposure to air pollution has been linked to a number of health problems in children, including bronchitis, asthma, and even cognitive difficulties.
So why are children from marginalized groups more likely to attend schools with high levels of air pollution? There are a few possible explanations.
One is that these schools are more likely to be located in areas with high levels of traffic or industrial activity. This means there are more sources of air pollution in these areas, and the pollutants are more likely to drift into school grounds.
Another possibility is that poverty-stricken families may be more likely to live in substandard housing that doesn’t do a good job of keeping out pollutants. Some research has also suggested that minority groups may be more likely to suffer from health problems that make them more susceptible to the effects of air pollution.
Whatever the reasons, it’s clear that air pollution is a problem at many American public schools. And it’s one that disproportionately affects children from marginalized groups.
This is yet another example of how socioeconomic factors can lead to health disparities. It’s also a reminder of the importance of environmental justice. All children deserve to grow up in healthy environments, regardless of their background or circumstances.
A new study has found that air pollution is especially high at US public schools where kids from marginalized groups attend. The research, which was conducted by the University of Michigan, looked at data from over 8,000 schools across the country.
The findings showed that schools in urban areas and those with high proportions of black and Hispanic students had the highest levels of air pollution. This is likely because these schools are located in areas with more traffic and industrial activity.
The study’s authors say that the findings highlight the need for better environmental protections for all children, but especially those from marginalized groups who are already at a disadvantage. They point out that exposure to air pollution has been linked to a number of health problems, including respiratory infections, asthma, and even cognitive impairments.
The study’s release comes just days after the Trump administration announced plans to roll back the Clean Power Plan, which was designed to reduce air pollution from power plants. Critics say that this move will only exacerbate the problem of air pollution at US schools.
It’s clear that more needs to be done to protect the health of our children. But it’s especially important to act now to protect those who are most vulnerable.
