Presentation Type

Poster

Faculty Advisor

Cortni Borgerson

Access Type

Open Access

Start Date

26-4-2024 9:45 AM

End Date

26-4-2024 10:44 AM

Description

Indigenous populations are disproportionately affected by both environmental pollution and health disparities resulting in mortality rates 60% higher than their white counterparts. Previous research has revealed instances of pollution from facilities which have caused severe health issues in Indigenous communities. Despite this, widespread geographic studies of the spatial correlation between Environmental Justice (EJ) and Indigenous populations remain lacking. This chapter examines whether Indigenous people in the northeastern United States are inequitably burdened by contamination. I find that Indigenous people are disproportionately exposed to 21 superfund contaminants, regardless of state or federal recognition. The sources of these contaminants varied, ranging from commercial use to manufacturing companies. Indigenous residents are doubly-burdened by both environmental contamination and historic actions which predispose them to reside on or near contaminated sites. Historic actions must be addressed before we can ensure environmental and public health equity for Indigenous people.

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Apr 26th, 9:45 AM Apr 26th, 10:44 AM

Indigenous Communities are Disproportionately Burdened by Environmental Contamination

Indigenous populations are disproportionately affected by both environmental pollution and health disparities resulting in mortality rates 60% higher than their white counterparts. Previous research has revealed instances of pollution from facilities which have caused severe health issues in Indigenous communities. Despite this, widespread geographic studies of the spatial correlation between Environmental Justice (EJ) and Indigenous populations remain lacking. This chapter examines whether Indigenous people in the northeastern United States are inequitably burdened by contamination. I find that Indigenous people are disproportionately exposed to 21 superfund contaminants, regardless of state or federal recognition. The sources of these contaminants varied, ranging from commercial use to manufacturing companies. Indigenous residents are doubly-burdened by both environmental contamination and historic actions which predispose them to reside on or near contaminated sites. Historic actions must be addressed before we can ensure environmental and public health equity for Indigenous people.