Environmental Justice and Ambient Air Pollutant Exposure in North America

Abstract

Large bodies of international research have demonstrated that there are variations in air pollution exposure by numerous socioeconomic status (SES) indicators, often with higher levels of air pollution exposure in groups with lower SES. This literature review describes the overall trends that emerge from the literature in North America, discusses methods used to assess the relationship between SES and air pollutant exposure, and discusses differences in trends observed between urban and rural regions. Additionally, challenges related to assessing environmental justice trends in air pollution research are explored. The results of the 21 studies examined in this review suggest that there are significant associations between measures of deprivation and NO₂ and PM_2.5 air pollution exposure, typically with lower SES individuals and communities being exposed to higher levels of criteria air pollutants. Future research in this area is required to expand our understanding of inequalities in air pollution exposure and health impacts across urban and rural regions of North America, particularly in Canada.