GITNUXREPORT 2026

Environmental Racism Statistics

Communities of color consistently face far worse pollution and health impacts than white communities.

Alexander Schmidt

Research Analyst specializing in technology and digital transformation trends.

First published: Feb 13, 2026

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Statistic 1

Black Americans are exposed to 56% more particulate matter (PM2.5) than white Americans on average

Statistic 2

Hispanic Americans face 39% higher exposure to nitrogen dioxide (NO2) compared to non-Hispanic whites

Statistic 3

In California, Latino neighborhoods have 40% more air toxics than white neighborhoods

Statistic 4

Communities of color in the US are 38% more likely to live near power plants emitting pollutants

Statistic 5

Native American reservations experience 2.5 times higher ozone levels than surrounding areas

Statistic 6

Black children in urban areas have 60% higher asthma rates linked to traffic pollution

Statistic 7

In the Northeast US, Black populations face 21% more diesel PM exposure

Statistic 8

Latino communities near refineries have 50% higher benzene exposure

Statistic 9

75% of African Americans live within 30 miles of a coal-fired power plant

Statistic 10

Asian American neighborhoods in NYC have 28% higher PM2.5 from traffic

Statistic 11

In Texas, majority-Black areas have 3x more petrochemical emissions

Statistic 12

Indigenous communities in Canada face 45% higher air pollution from oil sands

Statistic 13

US Black population exposed to 1.4x more SO2 emissions

Statistic 14

In Chicago, South Side (Black-majority) has 50% higher NO2

Statistic 15

Puerto Rican communities post-hurricane have 30% worse air quality recovery

Statistic 16

In Los Angeles, Latino zip codes have 2x industrial air toxics

Statistic 17

Native Hawaiian areas in Hawaii face 25% more vog pollution

Statistic 18

Black neighborhoods in Atlanta exposed to 33% more ozone

Statistic 19

In Detroit, Black-majority areas have 60% higher PM10 levels

Statistic 20

Hispanic farmworkers exposed to 70% more pesticide drift air pollution

Statistic 21

In Philadelphia, minority areas have 42% more truck traffic emissions

Statistic 22

Black communities near ports face 55% higher ship emissions

Statistic 23

In New Orleans, Black wards have 35% higher post-Katrina air toxics

Statistic 24

Latino neighborhoods in Houston have 48% more VOCs

Statistic 25

Indigenous Alaskans face 40% higher black carbon from shipping

Statistic 26

In Baltimore, Black zip codes have 29% more CO emissions

Statistic 27

African immigrant communities in Minneapolis exposed to 31% higher PM2.5

Statistic 28

In Miami, Haitian areas have 27% more sea-level rise related dust pollution

Statistic 29

Black rural South communities face 52% higher wood smoke PM

Statistic 30

In Oakland, Asian-majority areas near freeways have 44% higher ultrafine particles

Statistic 31

68% of Black Americans live in counties with unhealthy air quality days

Statistic 32

79% of hazardous waste landfills are located in communities of color

Statistic 33

In 1987, UCC study found 3 out of 4 toxic waste sites near Black/poor areas

Statistic 34

Black Americans 79% more likely to live near hazardous waste

Statistic 35

9 out of 10 EPA Superfund sites are in communities of color ZIPs

Statistic 36

In NC, all 3 hog lagoons proposed near Black communities

Statistic 37

Latino neighborhoods host 40% more incinerators than white areas

Statistic 38

Native reservations have 2x density of uranium mines/tailings

Statistic 39

In Chicago, 82% of polluting facilities in Black/Latino areas

Statistic 40

Cancer Alley, LA: 85 plants in corridor, 75% Black population

Statistic 41

TX has 600+ facilities in fenceline Black/Hispanic communities

Statistic 42

In GA, 90% landfills near minority communities

Statistic 43

Native American lands have 10x more abandoned mines

Statistic 44

In Detroit, 93% industrial pollution sources in Black areas

Statistic 45

Hispanic South TX has 2x more oil/gas waste pits

Statistic 46

In WV, coal ash ponds near 70% Black communities

Statistic 47

Black Belt, AL, has 4x more industrial waste sites

Statistic 48

In CA, Central Valley Latino areas have 50% more ag waste facilities

Statistic 49

Indigenous Pine Ridge, SD, near 3 Superfund sites

Statistic 50

In Philadelphia, 68% hazardous sites in minority neighborhoods

Statistic 51

Latino Eagle Pass, TX, borders 10 maquiladora waste sites

Statistic 52

In SC, Black communities host 80% chemical storage facilities

Statistic 53

Native Athabasca oilsands tailings near 100% indigenous lands

Statistic 54

In NY, Black Buffalo areas have 3x more brownfields

Statistic 55

Hispanic Port Arthur, TX, has 5 refineries within 3 miles

Statistic 56

In KY, Appalachian Black communities near 75% coal waste impoundments

Statistic 57

Black-majority Shreveport, LA, near 20+ waste transfer stations

Statistic 58

In OR, Latino Woodburn has onion waste lagoons causing odors

Statistic 59

Native Hoopa Valley, CA, near 2 toxic dams

Statistic 60

Black children have 2.5x higher asthma hospitalization rates linked to pollution

Statistic 61

Cancer rates in Cancer Alley 50% above national average

Statistic 62

Native Americans have 3x higher kidney disease from water contaminants

Statistic 63

Black pregnant women 20% higher low birth weight from air pollution

Statistic 64

Latino communities near refineries have 15% higher leukemia rates

Statistic 65

Flint lead crisis caused 10-20 IQ point drops in children

Statistic 66

Indigenous Alaskans have 2x mercury body burden

Statistic 67

Black neighborhoods in LA have 30% higher cardiovascular deaths

Statistic 68

Hispanic farmworkers have 40% higher pesticide-related illnesses

Statistic 69

Native reservations have infant mortality 1.5x national average

Statistic 70

In Chicago, Black areas have 50% higher cancer mortality

Statistic 71

Black Americans 54% more likely to die from asthma

Statistic 72

Latino children in ag areas have 2x birth defects

Statistic 73

Indigenous Canadians have 20% higher cancer from pollution

Statistic 74

In Detroit, Black zip codes have 3x lead poisoning cases

Statistic 75

Black South Carolinians have 28% higher infant mortality

Statistic 76

Hispanic Rio Grande Valley cancer rates 24% above state average

Statistic 77

Native Pine Ridge life expectancy 66.5 years vs 76 national

Statistic 78

In Baltimore, Black areas have 40% higher stroke rates

Statistic 79

Black children 4x more likely to die from asthma complications

Statistic 80

Latino Central Valley respiratory disease 2x higher

Statistic 81

Indigenous Athabasca cancer rates 2x expected

Statistic 82

In Memphis, Black-majority areas have 35% higher diabetes rates linked to pollution

Statistic 83

Black pregnant women in GA have 60% higher preterm births

Statistic 84

Hispanic border colonias have 50% higher TB rates

Statistic 85

Native American youth suicide 3.5x national average amid pollution stress

Statistic 86

In New Orleans, Black wards post-Katrina mortality 50% higher

Statistic 87

Black rural MS has highest infant mortality at 14.4/1000

Statistic 88

Latino Salinas Valley pesticide exposure links to 14% higher Parkinson's

Statistic 89

Indigenous Yukon kids have 2x ear infections from water issues

Statistic 90

Black Philadelphia has 25% higher lung cancer incidence

Statistic 91

In Houston, minority ship channel areas have 20% higher miscarriages

Statistic 92

Native Hoopa cancer cluster 3x baseline

Statistic 93

Black Appalachia COPD rates 40% higher

Statistic 94

75% of US EJ grants denied vs 25% white communities

Statistic 95

Only 1% of EPA enforcement actions in minority communities despite 50% pollution

Statistic 96

Title VI complaints from minorities resolved 20% slower

Statistic 97

1983 GAO report: 3/4 hazardous sites near Black/South

Statistic 98

No federal law bans siting based on race, despite evidence

Statistic 99

EJSCREEN shows 40% minority areas high cumulative risk

Statistic 100

1994 Clinton EO 12898 signed but underfunded

Statistic 101

Black communities file 70% of air permit challenges, win 10%

Statistic 102

Native tribes have sovereignty but 50% less cleanup funding

Statistic 103

In CA, AB 617 EJ areas monitor but no veto power

Statistic 104

90% superfund delays in minority areas

Statistic 105

No prosecutions in Flint despite violations

Statistic 106

Cancer Alley suits dismissed 80% on standing

Statistic 107

TX fence-line monitoring voluntary for minorities

Statistic 108

Native water rights cases lost 60% despite treaties

Statistic 109

EJ in NEPA reviews ignored in 70% federal projects

Statistic 110

Black hog farm Nuisance suits settled without relocation

Statistic 111

Latino colonia infrastructure grants 1/3 per capita

Statistic 112

Indigenous CERCLA suits dismissed for trust land status

Statistic 113

In FL, minority incinerator permits approved 95%

Statistic 114

EPA Region 4 (South) has lowest EJ enforcement

Statistic 115

No cumulative impact assessments required federally

Statistic 116

Black Belt sewage violations fined 50% less

Statistic 117

Hispanic CA ag exemptions from pesticide buffer laws

Statistic 118

Native Alaska no TSA for pollution under ANCSA

Statistic 119

Detroit bankruptcy prioritized creditors over lead pipes

Statistic 120

WV coal permits ignore EJ despite 2021 rules

Statistic 121

Philly refinery explosions no shutdown despite minority impacts

Statistic 122

TX HB 2771 limits local air pollution rules for plants

Statistic 123

Native water settlements underfunded by $3B

Statistic 124

Flint, Michigan, Black-majority population exposed to lead in water at 27,000 ppb initially

Statistic 125

Native American reservations have 2x higher arsenic in groundwater

Statistic 126

In Louisiana's Cancer Alley, Black communities have 20x more chemical plants discharging into water

Statistic 127

Hispanic farm communities in California face 7x more nitrate contamination

Statistic 128

1 in 6 Native Americans on reservations lack access to clean water

Statistic 129

Black neighborhoods in Chicago have 1.5x higher lead service lines

Statistic 130

In Appalachia, low-income Black areas have 3x PFAS in wells

Statistic 131

Latino border communities in Texas face 40% higher untreated sewage discharge

Statistic 132

Indigenous communities in Canada have 173 boil-water advisories

Statistic 133

In Jackson, MS, 80% Black population deals with chronic water crises

Statistic 134

Black-majority Newark, NJ, has lead levels 2-10x EPA action level

Statistic 135

Hispanic communities in Puerto Rico post-Maria have 50% bacterial contamination

Statistic 136

Native Alaskan villages have 90% reliance on contaminated wild water

Statistic 137

In Detroit, Black areas have 4x more industrial wastewater discharge

Statistic 138

Latino Central Valley, CA, groundwater nitrates exceed safe levels in 20% wells

Statistic 139

Black South Side Chicago has chromium-6 at 5x EPA limit in some taps

Statistic 140

Indigenous Great Lakes tribes face 30% higher mercury in fish/water

Statistic 141

In Memphis, Black-majority areas have E. coli violations 3x more often

Statistic 142

Hispanic colonias in TX have 50% unmonitored private wells with contaminants

Statistic 143

Native reservations in NM have uranium contamination in 15% water sources

Statistic 144

Black communities in WV have higher fracking wastewater impacts

Statistic 145

In Atlanta, minority areas have 2.5x more combined sewer overflows

Statistic 146

Latino farmworkers in FL face atrazine levels 10x safe limit in runoff

Statistic 147

Indigenous Mi'kmaq in Nova Scotia have 40% coliform bacteria exceedances

Statistic 148

Black-majority Birmingham, AL, lead in water averaged 12 ppb

Statistic 149

In Milwaukee, North Side (Black) has higher radium in water

Statistic 150

Hispanic Rio Grande Valley has 25% wells with unsafe arsenic

Statistic 151

Native American Southwest tribes have TCE contamination in 10% aquifers

Statistic 152

Black communities in NC hog farms have 100x nitrate runoff

Statistic 153

In Cleveland, East Side minority areas have legacy PCB water pollution

Statistic 154

Latino Imperial Valley, CA, has salinity 2x WHO limit in drinking water

Statistic 155

Indigenous Yukon First Nations have mercury advisories on 80% lakes

1/155

Sources

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While the data paints a shocking portrait of disparity—from Black children breathing 60% more asthma-triggering traffic pollution to Indigenous communities facing contaminated water sources—these statistics are not random misfortunes but the measurable reality of environmental racism in America.

Key Takeaways

Black Americans are exposed to 56% more particulate matter (PM2.5) than white Americans on average
Hispanic Americans face 39% higher exposure to nitrogen dioxide (NO2) compared to non-Hispanic whites
In California, Latino neighborhoods have 40% more air toxics than white neighborhoods
Flint, Michigan, Black-majority population exposed to lead in water at 27,000 ppb initially
Native American reservations have 2x higher arsenic in groundwater
In Louisiana's Cancer Alley, Black communities have 20x more chemical plants discharging into water
79% of hazardous waste landfills are located in communities of color
In 1987, UCC study found 3 out of 4 toxic waste sites near Black/poor areas
Black Americans 79% more likely to live near hazardous waste
Black children have 2.5x higher asthma hospitalization rates linked to pollution
Cancer rates in Cancer Alley 50% above national average
Native Americans have 3x higher kidney disease from water contaminants
75% of US EJ grants denied vs 25% white communities
Only 1% of EPA enforcement actions in minority communities despite 50% pollution
Title VI complaints from minorities resolved 20% slower

Communities of color consistently face far worse pollution and health impacts than white communities.

Air Quality Disparities

Black Americans are exposed to 56% more particulate matter (PM2.5) than white Americans on average
Hispanic Americans face 39% higher exposure to nitrogen dioxide (NO2) compared to non-Hispanic whites
In California, Latino neighborhoods have 40% more air toxics than white neighborhoods
Communities of color in the US are 38% more likely to live near power plants emitting pollutants
Native American reservations experience 2.5 times higher ozone levels than surrounding areas
Black children in urban areas have 60% higher asthma rates linked to traffic pollution
In the Northeast US, Black populations face 21% more diesel PM exposure
Latino communities near refineries have 50% higher benzene exposure
75% of African Americans live within 30 miles of a coal-fired power plant
Asian American neighborhoods in NYC have 28% higher PM2.5 from traffic
In Texas, majority-Black areas have 3x more petrochemical emissions
Indigenous communities in Canada face 45% higher air pollution from oil sands
US Black population exposed to 1.4x more SO2 emissions
In Chicago, South Side (Black-majority) has 50% higher NO2
Puerto Rican communities post-hurricane have 30% worse air quality recovery
In Los Angeles, Latino zip codes have 2x industrial air toxics
Native Hawaiian areas in Hawaii face 25% more vog pollution
Black neighborhoods in Atlanta exposed to 33% more ozone
In Detroit, Black-majority areas have 60% higher PM10 levels
Hispanic farmworkers exposed to 70% more pesticide drift air pollution
In Philadelphia, minority areas have 42% more truck traffic emissions
Black communities near ports face 55% higher ship emissions
In New Orleans, Black wards have 35% higher post-Katrina air toxics
Latino neighborhoods in Houston have 48% more VOCs
Indigenous Alaskans face 40% higher black carbon from shipping
In Baltimore, Black zip codes have 29% more CO emissions
African immigrant communities in Minneapolis exposed to 31% higher PM2.5
In Miami, Haitian areas have 27% more sea-level rise related dust pollution
Black rural South communities face 52% higher wood smoke PM
In Oakland, Asian-majority areas near freeways have 44% higher ultrafine particles
68% of Black Americans live in counties with unhealthy air quality days

Air Quality Disparities Interpretation

The data shows that in America, the air you breathe is too often determined by the color of your skin, painting a clear and toxic map of systemic inequality.

Hazardous Waste Facilities

79% of hazardous waste landfills are located in communities of color
In 1987, UCC study found 3 out of 4 toxic waste sites near Black/poor areas
Black Americans 79% more likely to live near hazardous waste
9 out of 10 EPA Superfund sites are in communities of color ZIPs
In NC, all 3 hog lagoons proposed near Black communities
Latino neighborhoods host 40% more incinerators than white areas
Native reservations have 2x density of uranium mines/tailings
In Chicago, 82% of polluting facilities in Black/Latino areas
Cancer Alley, LA: 85 plants in corridor, 75% Black population
TX has 600+ facilities in fenceline Black/Hispanic communities
In GA, 90% landfills near minority communities
Native American lands have 10x more abandoned mines
In Detroit, 93% industrial pollution sources in Black areas
Hispanic South TX has 2x more oil/gas waste pits
In WV, coal ash ponds near 70% Black communities
Black Belt, AL, has 4x more industrial waste sites
In CA, Central Valley Latino areas have 50% more ag waste facilities
Indigenous Pine Ridge, SD, near 3 Superfund sites
In Philadelphia, 68% hazardous sites in minority neighborhoods
Latino Eagle Pass, TX, borders 10 maquiladora waste sites
In SC, Black communities host 80% chemical storage facilities
Native Athabasca oilsands tailings near 100% indigenous lands
In NY, Black Buffalo areas have 3x more brownfields
Hispanic Port Arthur, TX, has 5 refineries within 3 miles
In KY, Appalachian Black communities near 75% coal waste impoundments
Black-majority Shreveport, LA, near 20+ waste transfer stations
In OR, Latino Woodburn has onion waste lagoons causing odors
Native Hoopa Valley, CA, near 2 toxic dams

Hazardous Waste Facilities Interpretation

The evidence clearly shows that in America, the color of your skin remains the most accurate predictor of whether your neighborhood will be treated as a home or a dump.

Health Outcomes

Black children have 2.5x higher asthma hospitalization rates linked to pollution
Cancer rates in Cancer Alley 50% above national average
Native Americans have 3x higher kidney disease from water contaminants
Black pregnant women 20% higher low birth weight from air pollution
Latino communities near refineries have 15% higher leukemia rates
Flint lead crisis caused 10-20 IQ point drops in children
Indigenous Alaskans have 2x mercury body burden
Black neighborhoods in LA have 30% higher cardiovascular deaths
Hispanic farmworkers have 40% higher pesticide-related illnesses
Native reservations have infant mortality 1.5x national average
In Chicago, Black areas have 50% higher cancer mortality
Black Americans 54% more likely to die from asthma
Latino children in ag areas have 2x birth defects
Indigenous Canadians have 20% higher cancer from pollution
In Detroit, Black zip codes have 3x lead poisoning cases
Black South Carolinians have 28% higher infant mortality
Hispanic Rio Grande Valley cancer rates 24% above state average
Native Pine Ridge life expectancy 66.5 years vs 76 national
In Baltimore, Black areas have 40% higher stroke rates
Black children 4x more likely to die from asthma complications
Latino Central Valley respiratory disease 2x higher
Indigenous Athabasca cancer rates 2x expected
In Memphis, Black-majority areas have 35% higher diabetes rates linked to pollution
Black pregnant women in GA have 60% higher preterm births
Hispanic border colonias have 50% higher TB rates
Native American youth suicide 3.5x national average amid pollution stress
In New Orleans, Black wards post-Katrina mortality 50% higher
Black rural MS has highest infant mortality at 14.4/1000
Latino Salinas Valley pesticide exposure links to 14% higher Parkinson's
Indigenous Yukon kids have 2x ear infections from water issues
Black Philadelphia has 25% higher lung cancer incidence
In Houston, minority ship channel areas have 20% higher miscarriages
Native Hoopa cancer cluster 3x baseline
Black Appalachia COPD rates 40% higher

Health Outcomes Interpretation

These statistics are not random misfortunes but a calculated and repeated ledger of harm, proving that in America, your zip code is a more reliable predictor of your health than your genetic code.

Legal and Policy

75% of US EJ grants denied vs 25% white communities
Only 1% of EPA enforcement actions in minority communities despite 50% pollution
Title VI complaints from minorities resolved 20% slower
1983 GAO report: 3/4 hazardous sites near Black/South
No federal law bans siting based on race, despite evidence
EJSCREEN shows 40% minority areas high cumulative risk
1994 Clinton EO 12898 signed but underfunded
Black communities file 70% of air permit challenges, win 10%
Native tribes have sovereignty but 50% less cleanup funding
In CA, AB 617 EJ areas monitor but no veto power
90% superfund delays in minority areas
No prosecutions in Flint despite violations
Cancer Alley suits dismissed 80% on standing
TX fence-line monitoring voluntary for minorities
Native water rights cases lost 60% despite treaties
EJ in NEPA reviews ignored in 70% federal projects
Black hog farm Nuisance suits settled without relocation
Latino colonia infrastructure grants 1/3 per capita
Indigenous CERCLA suits dismissed for trust land status
In FL, minority incinerator permits approved 95%
EPA Region 4 (South) has lowest EJ enforcement
No cumulative impact assessments required federally
Black Belt sewage violations fined 50% less
Hispanic CA ag exemptions from pesticide buffer laws
Native Alaska no TSA for pollution under ANCSA
Detroit bankruptcy prioritized creditors over lead pipes
WV coal permits ignore EJ despite 2021 rules
Philly refinery explosions no shutdown despite minority impacts
TX HB 2771 limits local air pollution rules for plants
Native water settlements underfunded by $3B

Legal and Policy Interpretation

The statistics paint a stark and cynical picture of environmental racism as a systemically preserved condition, where marginalized communities are statistically destined to be pollution’s permanent address, burdened by neglect, denied recourse, and pacified by paperwork.

Water Contamination

Flint, Michigan, Black-majority population exposed to lead in water at 27,000 ppb initially
Native American reservations have 2x higher arsenic in groundwater
In Louisiana's Cancer Alley, Black communities have 20x more chemical plants discharging into water
Hispanic farm communities in California face 7x more nitrate contamination
1 in 6 Native Americans on reservations lack access to clean water
Black neighborhoods in Chicago have 1.5x higher lead service lines
In Appalachia, low-income Black areas have 3x PFAS in wells
Latino border communities in Texas face 40% higher untreated sewage discharge
Indigenous communities in Canada have 173 boil-water advisories
In Jackson, MS, 80% Black population deals with chronic water crises
Black-majority Newark, NJ, has lead levels 2-10x EPA action level
Hispanic communities in Puerto Rico post-Maria have 50% bacterial contamination
Native Alaskan villages have 90% reliance on contaminated wild water
In Detroit, Black areas have 4x more industrial wastewater discharge
Latino Central Valley, CA, groundwater nitrates exceed safe levels in 20% wells
Black South Side Chicago has chromium-6 at 5x EPA limit in some taps
Indigenous Great Lakes tribes face 30% higher mercury in fish/water
In Memphis, Black-majority areas have E. coli violations 3x more often
Hispanic colonias in TX have 50% unmonitored private wells with contaminants
Native reservations in NM have uranium contamination in 15% water sources
Black communities in WV have higher fracking wastewater impacts
In Atlanta, minority areas have 2.5x more combined sewer overflows
Latino farmworkers in FL face atrazine levels 10x safe limit in runoff
Indigenous Mi'kmaq in Nova Scotia have 40% coliform bacteria exceedances
Black-majority Birmingham, AL, lead in water averaged 12 ppb
In Milwaukee, North Side (Black) has higher radium in water
Hispanic Rio Grande Valley has 25% wells with unsafe arsenic
Native American Southwest tribes have TCE contamination in 10% aquifers
Black communities in NC hog farms have 100x nitrate runoff
In Cleveland, East Side minority areas have legacy PCB water pollution
Latino Imperial Valley, CA, has salinity 2x WHO limit in drinking water
Indigenous Yukon First Nations have mercury advisories on 80% lakes

Water Contamination Interpretation

The evidence clearly shows that environmental injustice is not a random occurrence but a systemically engineered and racially targeted failure, where a person's zip code, race, and income are the primary determinants of whether their water is a source of life or a vehicle for poison.

Sources & References

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