Urban Pollution: Commercial Areas And Their Impact

Air pollution is a major threat to global health and prosperity, causing more than 6.5 million deaths each year. It is caused by a combination of human-made and natural sources, with vehicles, industrial facilities, and construction projects being significant contributors. Commercial activities, such as the use of electricity for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning, also contribute to air pollution. While commercial areas may have higher pollution levels due to these activities, it is important to consider other factors such as transportation, geographical location, and socioeconomic status, which can also influence pollution levels and the health risks associated with air pollution.

Commercial areas and pollution exposure

Air pollution is a serious global health hazard, causing an estimated 4.2 million premature deaths worldwide each year. It is caused by the release of hazardous substances from human-made and natural sources, including vehicle emissions, fuel oils, industrial facilities, and power generation. While air pollution affects everyone exposed to it, certain groups bear a disproportionate burden of its negative consequences.

Research has consistently shown that lower socioeconomic groups are exposed to higher levels of air pollution. People of colour, particularly non-Hispanic blacks and Hispanics, are more likely to live in counties with higher levels of particle pollution and ozone pollution. This disparity is often due to racist zoning policies and discriminatory lending practices that concentrate polluting industries and highways in communities of colour, especially low-income communities. Additionally, unemployed individuals, those with low incomes or lower education levels, and people living in areas with higher unemployment rates or higher use of public transportation are at a greater risk of exposure to air pollution.

Commercial areas, which are often located in or near urban centres, can contribute to higher pollution levels due to increased traffic, industrial activities, and energy consumption. The dense concentration of businesses, offices, and transportation hubs in commercial districts leads to a higher volume of vehicle emissions, energy usage, and human activity, all of which can elevate pollution levels in these areas.

Furthermore, the design and infrastructure of commercial areas can influence pollution exposure. Buildings, roads, and other structures can affect airflow patterns, trapping pollutants and preventing their dispersion. This phenomenon, known as the "urban canyon effect," is particularly prevalent in densely developed commercial districts with tall buildings and narrow streets. The concentration of air pollutants in these areas can have significant health impacts on those who work, live, or spend extended periods in these commercial zones.

To mitigate the impact of pollution in commercial areas, interventions such as sustainable land use practices, cleaner energy sources, energy-efficient buildings, improved waste management, and stricter emission reduction policies are necessary. These measures aim to reduce the overall pollution levels in commercial areas, thereby decreasing the exposure and associated health risks for individuals who inhabit or frequent these spaces.

Racial and ethnic disparities

Several studies have found that racial and ethnic disparities exist in exposure to air pollution. People of colour are exposed to greater than average concentrations from source types causing 75% of overall exposure, while white people are exposed to lower than average concentrations from emission source types causing 60% of overall exposure. This disparity holds across states, urban and rural areas, and income levels.

A 2008 study found that communities with higher African American populations and higher unemployment or higher use of public transportation faced a greater risk of premature death. A 2016 study of New Jersey residents found that the risk of dying early from long-term exposure to particle pollution was higher in communities with larger African American populations, lower home values, and lower median incomes.

The impact of air pollution on racial and ethnic minorities is also influenced by socioeconomic factors. Multiple large studies have found that low socioeconomic status increases the risk of premature death from fine particle pollution. Additionally, racial discrimination in the housing market may limit the residential mobility of people of colour, keeping them concentrated in polluted neighbourhoods even if they have the financial means to move.

The disparities in exposure to air pollution among racial and ethnic minorities are shaped by multifaceted social and geographical issues. Vulnerable communities often reside in areas with higher concentrations of air pollution due to historical patterns of environmental injustice, discriminatory zoning practices, and the unequal distribution of pollution sources such as industrial facilities and transportation corridors.

Furthermore, racial residential segregation is associated with higher levels of exposure to air pollutants. Individuals living in more racially segregated metropolitan areas are more likely to be exposed to air pollutants, indicating that air pollution is both racially and spatially concentrated.

Socioeconomic disparities

Commercial areas, along with residential and industrial sectors, contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions. Buildings, for instance, account for 75% of electricity usage in the US, resulting in substantial emissions from heating, ventilation, air conditioning, lighting, and appliances. Transportation is another major source of pollution, with vehicles being the primary contributors to NOx emissions in cities.

In the United States, studies have consistently shown that low socioeconomic status (SES) communities bear a disproportionate burden of air pollution. This is attributed to various factors, including residential segregation, racism, class bias, housing market dynamics, and land costs. For example, African Americans, due to decades of segregation, often reside in areas with greater exposure to air pollution and face higher risks from particle pollution, even when compared to lower-income white populations.

The triple jeopardy hypothesis further explains the link between low SES and increased pollution exposure, susceptibility to poor health due to psychosocial stressors, and resulting health disparities driven by environmental factors. Additionally, unemployment, lower income, and lower education levels are also associated with higher exposure to pollutants.

Furthermore, studies have found a correlation between higher African American populations, lower home values, lower median incomes, and increased risk of premature death from long-term exposure to particle pollution. Similarly, in Atlanta, Georgia, higher rates of asthma attacks were linked to zip codes with higher poverty levels and Medicaid eligibility. These disparities highlight the unequal impact of air pollution on socioeconomic and racial or ethnic groups, underscoring the need for regulatory and public health interventions.

Health risks of pollution

Air pollution is the presence of contaminants in the atmosphere, such as dust, fumes, gases, mist, odours, smoke, or vapours, in quantities that can be harmful to human health. The main pathway of exposure is through the respiratory tract, which can lead to inflammation, oxidative stress, immunosuppression, and mutagenicity in cells throughout the body, impacting the lungs, heart, and brain, among other organs.

Air pollution is a significant risk factor for various adverse health outcomes, including:

• Respiratory issues: Short-term exposure to high levels of particulate matter can lead to reduced lung function, respiratory infections, and aggravated asthma. Children living near busy roads or in high-ozone areas are more likely to develop asthma. Increases in asthma prevalence and severity are linked to urbanization and outdoor air pollution.
• Cardiovascular disease: Air pollution is associated with cardiac problems, including an increased risk of heart attacks, ischaemic heart disease, and stroke.
• Cancer: The International Agency for Research on Cancer has classified air pollution, particularly fine particulate matter (PM2.5), as a leading cause of cancer. Occupational exposure to benzene, an industrial chemical, is linked to leukemia and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.
• Neurological problems: There is suggestive evidence linking air pollution exposure to neurological diseases, cognitive impairment, and adverse pregnancy outcomes, such as low birth weight. Air pollution may also affect neurological development in children.
• Diabetes: Studies suggest a correlation between air pollution exposure and an increased risk of type 2 diabetes.
• Premature death: Ambient air pollution in cities and rural areas is estimated to cause millions of premature deaths worldwide each year, with low- and middle-income countries disproportionately affected.

Additionally, socioeconomic factors play a role in the health risks associated with air pollution. People of colour and low-income communities are often more exposed to pollutants due to historical racist zoning policies and discriminatory practices. These communities experience greater health impacts from air pollution, including higher rates of premature mortality.

Reducing air pollution

While I could not find specific information on whether commercial areas tend to have higher pollution, air pollution is a pressing issue that affects human health and the planet. It is caused by the release of pollutants into the air, with energy use and production being the most significant contributors. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), air pollution causes approximately seven million deaths worldwide each year, with those in low- and middle-income countries being the most affected.

To reduce air pollution, especially in commercial areas, here are some strategies:

Policy Implementation and Governance

Successful air pollution reduction requires coordinated efforts between various stakeholders, including governments, industries, and communities. Policies should focus on promoting cleaner transport, energy-efficient practices, improved waste management, and sustainable urban planning. For example, implementing cleaner technologies in industries can reduce smokestack emissions, and better waste management practices can minimize the release of harmful pollutants. Governments can also incentivize the use of electric vehicles, provide subsidies for energy-efficient appliances, and create regulations to limit industrial emissions.

Education and Community Initiatives

Educating communities about air pollution and providing guidance on reducing their carbon footprint is essential. Local businesses, city offices, and schools can be encouraged to adopt sustainable practices and reduce their environmental impact. Community programs can address specific environmental issues, such as providing assistance to small businesses to comply with environmental regulations and reduce waste. Additionally, promoting the use of public transportation, carpooling, and the adoption of electric vehicles can significantly reduce vehicle emissions, a major source of air pollution.

Greener Spaces and Energy Sources

Planting and caring for trees in urban areas is a natural way to filter pollutants and absorb carbon dioxide, while also providing oxygen and cooling effects. Transitioning to cleaner energy sources, such as renewable and low-carbon alternatives, can significantly reduce air pollution. This includes promoting the use of electric or hand-powered equipment over gas-powered engines and encouraging the use of energy-efficient appliances and heating systems in homes and offices.

Health Sector Leadership

The health sector can play a leading role in reducing air pollution by adopting low-carbon practices and supporting climate-friendly policies. By prioritizing environmentally sustainable practices, the health sector can reduce environmental health risks for patients, health workers, and the community while also improving the efficiency of service delivery.

Individual Actions

Individuals can contribute by limiting personal vehicle usage, opting for carpooling, public transportation, or electric vehicles. Regular maintenance of vehicles, including fixing exhaust problems, is crucial for reducing emissions. Additionally, individuals can reduce energy consumption by choosing energy-efficient appliances, turning off electrical devices when not in use, and opting for hand-powered or electric lawn care equipment.

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