Black Americans are significantly more concerned about environmental threats and experience more acute ecological crises compared to other racial groups, according to a new Gallup survey. The study reveals stark racial disparities in exposure to environmental hazards and the ability to relocate when faced with pollution or contamination.
The survey found that 53% of Black adults are “very” or “fairly concerned” about exposure to air pollution in their communities, compared to 46% of Hispanic adults and 35% of white adults. Concerns about drinking water contamination among Black Americans are 15 percentage points higher than the national average and 20 points higher than among white Americans.
Black adults also reported higher levels of concern about land or soil contamination (42%) and exposure to toxic building materials (39%) compared to other racial and ethnic groups. These disparities persist across all community types, including urban, suburban, and rural areas.
One-third of Black Americans reported experiencing acute environmental crises such as water boil advisories, chemical spills, or failed residence safety inspections in the past five years, compared to 28% of Hispanic and white Americans.
The study highlights the challenges faced by Black and Hispanic Americans in relocating to avoid environmental threats. Over half of Black (52%) and Hispanic Americans (55%) stated they could not afford to move if harmful pollution or contamination occurred in their local area, compared to 45% of white Americans.
The Gallup survey authors note that these findings underscore the significant impact of environmental pollution on minority communities, linking these inequalities to higher rates of chronic diseases and mortality. They emphasize the crucial need to address these disparities to ensure environmental justice and public health equity across the nation.
See “Racial Disparities In Environmental Concerns Highlighted In New Gallup Survey” (April 18, 2024)
