We know that both indoor and outdoor air pollution aggravates asthma. Exposure to ozone has also been associated with increased asthma rates in children. The community in child a child lives directly influences that childs environmental exposures. Children living near facilities that release chemicals into the environment can be exposed to those chemicals at higher levels. This exposure affects a childs health, and ultimately affects their overall quality of life.
Studies show that economic and social factors play a role in the placement of such facilities.
A 1987 study in the U.S. conducted by the United Church of Christ showed that race was a major factor in the placement of hazardous waste facilities. Another 1993 study confirmed racial disparities. I toxic waste dumps are located in or near Hispanic communities. This certainly is no accident. A childs environment is related to their familys economic status.