Does the extent of structural racism in a neighborhood affect residents’ risk of cancer from traffic-related air pollution?

High levels of traffic-related air pollutants have been linked with elevated risks of developing cancer and other diseases. New research indicates that multiple aspects of structural racism—the ways in which societal laws, policies, and practices systematically disadvantage certain racial or ethnic groups—may contribute to increased exposure to carcinogenic traffic-related air pollution. The findings are published by Wiley online in CANCER, a peer-reviewed journal of the American Cancer Society.

Most studies suggesting that structural racism, which encompasses factors such as residential segregation and differences in economic status and homeownership, may influence neighborhood exposures to air pollutants have focused on residential racial segregation, which is only one indicator of structural racism. Emily B. White, MPH, CHES, and Christine C. Ekenga, PhD, MPH, of Emory University, developed a more comprehensive measure of structural racism to examine its relationship with cancer risk from air pollutants in 134 counties in Georgia.

The researchers obtained carcinogenic air toxin data from the US Environmental Protection Agency and sociodemographic data from the American Community Survey. Next, they used county-level data on residential segregation, education, employment, incarceration, economic status, political participation, and home ownership to create a multidimensional county-level structural racism index.

These multiple domains of racial inequalities may have different influences on exposure to traffic-related air pollutants. For example, limited educational resources and job opportunities can restrict individuals’ ability to relocate to less polluted areas. Regarding political participation, poor political representation may result in insufficient policy measures to mitigate traffic-related pollution, as well as inadequate investments in public transportation, which can lead to higher community dependence on private vehicles.

The investigators’ analyses revealed a significant association between multidimensional structural racism and exposure to carcinogenic traffic-related air pollutants. People living in neighborhoods in the highest quartile of structural racism had a 7.8-times higher estimated risk of developing cancer from traffic-related air pollutants compared with those living in neighborhoods with low structural racism.

The results suggest that neighborhood racial disparities in exposure to traffic-related air pollution in Georgia may be explained, in part, by variations in county-level structural racism.

“By highlighting the link between structural inequalities and environmental health risks, our study underscores the importance of addressing social and systemic issues to improve public health outcomes,” said Dr. Ekenga. “This study can inform policymakers about the need for targeted interventions to reduce exposure to traffic-related air pollutants.” 

Additional information
NOTE: The information contained in this release is protected by copyright. Please include journal attribution in all coverage. A free abstract of this article will be available via the CANCER Newsroom upon online publication. For more information or to obtain a PDF of any study, please contact: Sara Henning-Stout, newsroom@wiley.com

Full Citation:
“Multidimensional Structural Racism and Estimated Cancer Risk from Traffic-Related Air Pollution.” Emily B. White and Christine C. Ekenga. CANCER; Published Online: August 26, 2024 (DOI: 10.1002/cncr.35467). 

URL Upon Publication:

Author Contact: Rob Spahr, Director of Public Relations at Emory University’s Rollins School of Public Health, at rob.spahr@emory.edu or +1 470-590-8055.

About the Journal
CANCER is a peer-reviewed publication of the American Cancer Society integrating scientific information from worldwide sources for all oncologic specialties. The objective of CANCER is to provide an interdisciplinary forum for the exchange of information among oncologic disciplines concerned with the etiology, course, and treatment of human cancer. CANCER is published on behalf of the American Cancer Society by Wiley and can be accessed online. Follow CANCER on X @JournalCancer and Instagram @ACSJournalCancer, and stay up to date with the American Cancer Society Journals on LinkedIn.

About Wiley      
Wiley is a knowledge company and a global leader in research, publishing, and knowledge solutions. Dedicated to the creation and application of knowledge, Wiley serves the world’s researchers, learners, innovators, and leaders, helping them achieve their goals and solve the world’s most important challenges. For more than two centuries, Wiley has been delivering on its timeless mission to unlock human potential.  Visit us at Wiley.com. Follow us on Facebook, X, LinkedIn and Instagram.