| abstract
| - Environmental harm are the actions to the environment that hurt the overall well-being of the human population. Studies have shown that those who are more powerful, speaking in both social and economic terms, receive benefits and gains from economic activities that have proven to be harmful to the environment. At the same time, people who are less fortunate must deal with the consequences and costs of these actions. One main concern is the inequality among people of different races and ethnicities and the inequality between people with different levels of wealth. Studies show that more and more people are becoming subject to environmental harm due to their race or level of wealth. One geographic area where much of this inequality has been taking place is in Los Angeles. Other areas, such as the actual inside of homes have drawn much attention. For years, advocates for better lifestyles within this communities have argued that environmental stressors, such as water and air pollution, are continuously degrading the lives of the people that inhabit the areas. According to the American Lung Association, Los Angeles is the most polluted city in the United States. Furthermore, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, African Americans and Latinos make over 58% of the population in Los Angeles. Studies have shown that although there is mixed results around the country, environmental inequality throughout California, specially Los Angeles, is indeed a problem. Maps that have been created to show the inequality, clearly illustrate that the overwhelming majority of African Americans, Latinos, and others of low socioeconomic status live in areas where the EPA's Toxic Release Inventory has a high volumes of pollutants released into the air. Other charts show the difference betweens whites and minorities living within both a 1/4 mile and 1 mile radius from high capacity TSDF's in Los Angeles from 1970 to 1990. Not only are there environmental harms outdoors, but indoors as well. Studies show that indoor pollutants such as lead paint and asbestos are more commonly found in households occupied by African Americans or Latinos more than any other household. Both these indoor and outdoor pollutants can negatively effect the lives of the people being exposed. Risks of certain types of cancers, including cardiovascular disease, increase as well as other health problems such as asthma and diabetes throughout these minority dominated neighborhoods. Studies have also shown that preexisting health conditions, such as diabetes and obesity, increase one's susceptibility to environmental stressors. Other problems stemming from this inequality include pre-mature birth, birth mortality, low birthrate, and a range of neurological, cardiovascular, and respiratory system diseases. Many agree that certain policies need to be enacted to help balance out the inequalities. A wide variety of policies have been proposed including compensation, laws, and regulations. One major problem is that areas dominated by minorities have very little or no political clout at all. Researchers say that in order for laws and regulations to be enacted, there needs to be representation from the minority community. Furthermore, they argue that agencies, such as the Environmental Protection Agency, need to to begin to clean up or compensate those effected by the pollutants. Because these communities are very weak when talking about politics, certain rules need to be created to protect the minorities. What matters most and what will help dissolve the inequality is participation, outreach, and information. For example, information needs to be more readily available to citizens, not just local, state, and federal governments. Because minorities and people of low socioeconomic status are at great risks from environmental hazards, methods and laws need to be created to protect them to help the environment as a whole.
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