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Database Provider

Author

Hazar Kilani

Grades

6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th

Subjects

Social Studies, Geography, Health

Resource Type

  • Articles and Websites

Regional Focus

North America, United States, USA - Northeast, New York, New York City

"Asthma Alley": Why Minorities Bear Burden of Pollution Inequity Caused by White People

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Synopsis
  • This article describes environmental racism in the Bronx, including details about high levels of air pollution and high rates of asthma. 
Teaching Tips

Positives

  • The study cited in this article is very clear, showing that "...black Americans are exposed to about 56% more pollution than is caused by their consumption, and Hispanics 63% more. Meanwhile, non-Hispanic whites breathe about 17% less air pollution than they cause, earning a 'pollution advantage.'"

Additional Prerequisites

  • Mott Haven is a neighborhood in the South Bronx in New York City, New York. You can see Mott Haven in Google Maps here. It may be best to familiarize yourself with the area before sharing the article with students.

Differentiation

Scientist Notes
The resource underscores pollution inequity among black, Hispanic, minority, and low-income populations in Mott Haven, South Bronx. It describes how the emissions from diesel trucks and other activities have affected and endangered the lives of residents. The resource also points to the fact that it is important to increase research output on air pollution and other environmental inequities to deepen awareness and accelerate actions against environmental injustices. This is recommended for teaching.
Standards

This resource addresses the listed standards. To fully meet standards, search for more related resources.

  • Social Studies
    • U.S. History: America in the World - Civics, Government, and Human Rights
      • 6.1.12.CivicsDP.5.a: Analyze the effectiveness of governmental policies and of actions by groups and individuals to address discrimination against new immigrants, Native Americans, and African Americans.
    • U.S. History: America in the World - Geography, People, and the Environment
      • 6.1.12.GeoHE.5.a: Generate/make an evidence-based argument regarding the impact of rapid urbanization on the environment and on the quality of life in cities.
    • World History: Global Studies - History, Culture, and Perspectives
      • 6.2.12.HistoryCC.3.b: Explain how industrialization and urbanization affected class structure, family life, the daily lives of men, women, and children, and the environment.
  • Comprehensive Health & Physical Education
    • Personal and Mental Health
      • 2.1.12.CHSS.8: Investigate how local, state, and global agencies are addressing health issues caused by climate change and share this information in an appropriate setting.
    • Physical Wellness
      • 2.2.8.PF.5: Use evidence to predict how factors such as health status, body composition, interests, environmental conditions, healthy eating, anabolic steroids, physical activity, and lifestyle behaviors impact personal fitness and health.
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