In the United States, there is a correlation between racial minorities and where they reside. The neighborhood and environmental conditions of racial minorities can explain the health disparities that are present. For example, Latinos and African Americans are more likely to live in neighborhoods that have a higher air pollution level. These airborne particles include chlorine, aluminum, and carbon. High-poverty neighborhoods are more likely to be next to factories and landfills, which both produce harmful pollutants. 

Air pollution and its relation to disparate outcomes in the COVID-19 pandemic

Researchers claim that air pollution may cause individuals to be more vulnerable to acquiring COVID-19 because the air pollution particles are able to carry the virus, allowing it to be easier for the virus to be transmitted from person to person. Furthermore, researchers also claim that air pollution weakens one’s immune system, which is responsible for fighting infections. A study shows that an increase of 1 microgram per cubic meter was associated with an 8% increase in COVID-19 related deaths. 

Saint Louis University

The environmental conditions of one’s neighborhood and residential building affect one’s health in many ways. Environmental conditions include air and water quality, pollution, housing, and one’s access to green space.  

Environmental Conditions of Neighborhood


Singu S, Acharya A, Challagundla K and Byrareddy SN. (2020). Impact of
Social Determinants of Health on the Emerging COVID-19 Pandemic in the
United States. Frontiers in Public Health 8:406.
doi: 10.3389/fpubh.2020.00406
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7385373/

Impact of Social Determinants of Health on the Emerging COVID-19 Pandemic in the United States

Air Pollution and its relation to COVID-19

The safety level of one’s neighborhood plays a significant role in one’s health. High-poverty neighborhoods are more likely to have higher crime rates, which may cause harm to one’s health. Furthermore, if a neighborhood has a sufficient amount of green space, its community members are more likely to use this space to exercise and do other outdoor activities. High-poverty neighborhoods tend to have less green space, which may prevent its residents from participating in outdoor recreational activities. 

Safety and availability of green space

Many low-income families tend to live in poor quality public housing. According to a study, public housing was usually found to be infested with cockroaches, mice, and vermin. The study also found mold, lack of air conditioning, and tobacco smoke to be common in public housing. According to this study, 22% of children who lived in public housing were diagnosed with asthma, while 7% of children who lived in single-family homes were diagnosed with asthma. 

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