Portland Air Monitors Reveal Racial Disparities in Pollution Exposure
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NAACP - AOWSAC
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A new analysis of Portland’s air quality data has uncovered something disturbing: neighborhoods with the highest percentages of Black and Latinx residents consistently breathe dirtier, more toxic air.
The findings, published by Oregon’s Department of Environmental Quality, show a clear pattern. Areas like Cully and East Portland have elevated levels of diesel particulate matter and ozone. These same communities face higher rates of asthma and heart disease, sparking outrage among health advocates.
“It’s not just a health issue. It’s a justice issue,” said Dr. Monique Thomas, a public health expert with the Coalition of Communities of Color. “Clean air shouldn’t be a luxury reserved for affluent ZIP codes.”
Community groups are calling on city officials to enforce stricter emissions standards, increase tree planting and air filtration in impacted zones, and hold polluters accountable. Advocates are also urging public agencies to address the decades of disinvestment that created these conditions.
Environmental justice is not about abstract climate models. It’s about who gets to breathe.
Frequently Asked Questions
What areas of Portland have the worst air quality?
Cully and East Portland are among the neighborhoods with the highest levels of diesel pollution and ozone, according to state data.
Why are Black and Latinx communities more affected by air pollution in Portland?
Historic disinvestment and proximity to industrial zones have placed many communities of color in areas with higher exposure to pollutants.
What are the health effects of diesel particulate matter?
Diesel pollution is linked to asthma, heart disease, lung cancer, and other serious health issues, especially in children and older adults.
Is Portland doing anything to improve air quality in impacted areas?
Community advocates are pushing for stronger local policies, but long-term solutions require broader investment and accountability.
What can residents do to protect themselves from toxic air?
Using indoor air purifiers, avoiding heavy outdoor activity on poor air days, and staying informed via Oregon DEQ updates are common strategies.
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