Environmental Racism

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ENVIROMENTAL RACISM

To begin with, environmental racism is marked by pollution from various contamination sources. For example in a predominately African- Americans community sources of pollution (oil refineries, chemical plants, waste sites and highways) “released more than 3.5 million pounds of toxic chemicals into the air, water, and waste sites in 2010” (Kay and Katz, 2012). This demonstrate that chemicals that are harmful to individuals was released in abundant amounts annually; if not for the presence of the aforementioned sources of pollution the quality of air , water, and soil would not be unfavorably diminished. To further illustrate the point, specific communities are intentionally selected for placement of waste
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For example, the toxic emission from industries, it has affected particularly African Americans with a high risks of dying from heart diseases and strokes. From this, we can see that African Americans is being painfully punish for no reason. For Instances, benzene, mercury, and has been linked to cancer and also neurological effect (damage the brain). This shows that pollution affects minorities not only physically but mentally as well. Clearly environmental racism is displayed by the fact that it is very harmful to races, is caused by specific pollution sources, and has been recognize as an issue and now steps are being made to …show more content…
Progress has been put into motion. For example, President Clinton signed an executive order requiring federal agencies to develop “environmental justice” strategies. (The fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, color, national origin, or income with respect to the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies). This shows that the government is doing something to stop all this toxic that’s destroying our world. For instance Florida house and Senate call for a state wide study of the issue by newly created commission of environment equity and justice. It is evident from this we can see that Florida house and senate is putting other people involved. To sum up environmental racism is displayed by the fact that it is very harmful to races, is caused by specific pollution sources, and has been recognize as an issue and now steps are being made to