Black Bay Area communities at High Risk for Exposure to TOXIC Air Pollution far greater than Bay Area whites

Black low income Bay Area residents have been found to live primarily near highways and major roads due to the outstanding issue of housing discrimination also known as redlining.

Due to redlining Black high risk communities have been exposed to toxic particulate matter emitted from vehicles on roadways. Exposure to pm 2.5 has been found to cause respiratory illness and even death, which disproportionately affects high risk long term Black communities in the Bay Area the most.

Combatting toxic air pollution exposure from cars on highways and major roadways in Black communities requires a multifaceted approach which focuses on both short-term and long-term solutions. First, advocating for stricter emission regulations on vehicles, particularly in areas with high traffic density, can help reduce the levels of harmful pollutants. In addition, investing in green infrastructure, such as planting trees and creating buffer zones along highways, can help absorb pollutants and provide cleaner air for residents.

Furthermore, transitioning to clean energy alternatives, such as electric vehicles, and encouraging public transportation systems can significantly reduce the number of pollutants in the air. Community engagement is also critical, as Black high risk long term residents should be involved in local policy decisions, ensuring that their health concerns are prioritized. Finally, raising awareness about the importance of air quality and the environmental health risks associated with pollution can mobilize both local and state authorities to prioritize environmental justice and take steps to address these disparities in Black communities.

Clean air, water, and soil should not be treated by government officials as a privilege more specifically a white one, it should be treated as a basic human necessity for all. Cherry picking who gets to live with less air pollution should not be a thing. More must be done to combat the effects of air pollution in Black high risk-long term communities in the Bay Area because environmental justice is for all.