Why does air pollution disproportionately affect minority ethnic groups?

Oct 26, 2022

In England, people of colour are three times more likely to live in areas with high air pollution, according to new research by Friends of the Earth. Image: Pexels/Pixabay

Ian Shine

Senior Writer, Forum Agenda

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Many UK cities have air pollution levels that exceed World Health Organization guidelines. Image: UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

A graph showing hourly mean PM2.5 concentration at roadside and urban background sites, 2021. air pollution

PM2.5 is one of the two most deadly air pollutants. Image: Ricardo Energy & Environment/UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

A graphic showing different maps and their air pollution levels.

Minority ethnic populations in the US live in areas that are exposed to higher-than-average air pollution levels. Image: PNAS.

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