Summary

This study by Haley M. Lane, Rachel Morello-Frosch, Julian D. Marshall, and Joshua S. Apte looks to study the connection between redlining and air pollution exposure as well as race and air pollution exposure. They look at the presence of NO₂ and PM_2.5 in the air using air pollution data from 2010 and a model developed by the Center for Air, Climate, and Energy Solutions (CACES) to predict where air pollution will go. 

Results & Statistics

These maps show both a correlation between redlining and race, air pollution and race, and air pollution and redlining. Generally, NO₂ is concentrated in the city’s busiest parts but PM_2.5 is distributed more widely in redlined areas. Side note: Decatur, which is east of Atlanta, has been gentrifying for a while. As a result, there is a low POC rate in some low grade areas. 

This shows that across the US, not just in Atlanta, redlining is associated with more exposure to air pollution. Black and Brown residents are most at risk of being exposed to PM_2.5 while any BIPOC group is more at risk of being exposed to NO₂ than White groups.