Environmental racism is the practice of companies and other organizations leaving mass-polluting waste and hazardous dumps in neighborhoods that are largely made up of people of color. This careless approach to hazardous waste management has been exposing communities of color, particularly Black communities, to environmental risks at a disproportionately greater rate for over a century, putting those populations at an increased risk for health issues and other adverse impacts.

The idea that environmental racism contributes to the perpetual social and economic disparities already plaguing these communities is one of the most compelling reasons activists for these communities are outspoken and work to unify their voices and resources. The authorities are often contributing to the worsening of these preexisting issues and making it much more difficult for these communities to lift themselves out of the situations created by hazardous waste abandoned in their communities.

These violations and exploitations, which require environmental justice, refer to the belief that all individuals, regardless of their ethnicity or financial class, should have the right to live in an environment that is both safe and healthy. Many well-connected businesses lobby politicians for their benefits, limiting their liabilities and treating communities of color as expendable or less worthy of protection in the sense that they are denying these communities their right to live in a safe and healthy environment, allowing these environmental hazards to remain exposing the vulnerable.

Environmental racism has had a detrimental effect on the well-being and health of communities of color over the course of many years. The inhalation of dangerous pollutants has been linked to a broad variety of adverse health effects, including the development of respiratory diseases, cancer, and birth abnormalities. In many cases, it take years, decades, or even centuries for these health issues to become apparent, but once they do, they may have a catastrophic effect on families and communities. In addition, environmental racism has a negative impact on mental health, as it may result in elevated levels of stress and anxiety, as well as a sense of helplessness among the groups who are adversely impacted.

Environmental racism is a significant issue that impacts communities of color to a disproportionate degree, and extends existing social and economic disparities. The bottom line is that meaningful and wholistic environmental justice is needed to right the wrongs of the past and prevent them from occurring in the future. It is essential that government agencies take action to address this issue and strive toward the goal of ensuring that all communities have equitable access to an environment that is safe and healthy.