Unfair burden: social inequalities in pollutant exposure (Signal)

Why is pollution an environmental justice issue? 

Environmental justice aims to reduce inequalities in terms of health risks, resources and decision-making for environmental and health-related issues. It is an important issue as pollutants are often unfairly distributed in society (Dreger et al., 2019; Fairburn et al., 2019). It is well known that, for example, deprived and marginalised communities can be more exposed to pollutants due to factors such as proximity to busy streets or industrial sites (Valencia et al., 2023) and so have higher rates of related health effects (Deguen and Zmirou-Navier, 2010). Thus, targeted action is required to protect Europe’s most vulnerable residents (EEA, 2019). 

Human biomonitoring reveals unequal exposure to environmental pollutants

HBM can reveal social disparities in exposure to environmental pollutants within large-scale population studies by quantifying pollutants found in samples such as blood or urine. Comparing HBM data across different sub-groups of the population, for example by socio-economic position, reflects inequalities likely associated with social factors. 

Figure displays the results of the German Environmental Survey for Children and Adolescents 2014-17 (GerES V) (Duffek et al.,2020 and Schwedler et al.,2021). Stratified by socio-economic position, the chart compares concentrations of two chemical pollutants measured in children and adolescents aged 3 to 17 years: (1) S-phenylmercapturic acid (SPMA) in urine (µg/L), and (2) perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) in blood plasma (µg/L). SPMA is an established biomarker of exposure to benzene (Pluym et al., 2015), a carcinogenic and mutagenic substance. Benzene is found within car exhaust, so road traffic is a key emission source. Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) is one of the best-known representatives of per- and polyfluorinated alkyl compounds (PFAS), so-called ‘eternal chemicals’ which have persistent and bioaccumulative properties that can affect human development and fertility (ATSDR, 2021). One use of PFOA is within product coatings. 

Young people with a low socio-economic position show higher SPMA levels than those in a higher socio-economic group. This finding is in line with the bulk of research indicating that socially-deprived groups are disproportionately affected by pollutants; for instance, those found within indoor air. But there are also exceptions to this general tendency: children and adolescents with upper socio-economic positions have on average higher levels of PFOA than those with lower socio-economic positions (Duffek et al., 2020; Murawski et al., 2023). Certain behaviours like more frequent and longer breastfeeding of children and differences in food consumption patterns are possible explanations for this reverse social gradient (Duffek et al.,2020 and Schwedler et al.,2021). 

Zero-pollution ambition’s potential to strengthen environmental justice 

Both examples illustrate how socio-economic position affects exposure to environmental pollutants. More targeted progress towards zero pollution must focus on people with higher exposure and raise awareness for deprived communities.  

Strengthening the social dimension of the EU’s zero-pollution ambition can build upon Flagship 1 of the Zero Pollution Action Plan by reducing health inequalities caused by social factors.  

Flagship 5 (Enforcing Zero Pollution together) emphasises the need for a better cross-sectoral view of pollution. Here, consideration of social aspects could support collaborative action. This applies especially to pollutant-related regulation and research that takes into account population inequalities and particularly vulnerable groups (EEA, 2022).  

Since socially unequal distributions of pollutants manifest throughout various sectors, the zero-pollution ambition needs to be considered in all policy areas. Integrating the guiding principle of environmental justice in the zero-pollution ambition could help mitigate impacts on health and well-being, becoming a powerful tool in creating a non-toxic environment for all. 

Please consult the relevant indicators and signals below for a more comprehensive overview on the topic.