The Hidden Crisis: How Cumulative Pollution Impacts Public Health in Baltimore and Beyond
Throughout our lives, we are exposed to pollutants from a vast array of sources — some visible, others invisible — that affect our health in ways we don’t often see.from the chemicals in the air we breathe to the social stressors that shape our neighborhoods, these environmental risks result in a myriad of negative health outcomes. This cumulative impact of environmental and social stressors is a critical factor in public health, especially for communities already burdened by systemic inequality.
In September, the Johns Hopkins CHARMED (Community Health Addressing Regional Maryland Environmental Determinants of Disease) Center hosted a groundbreaking meeting in Baltimore.The gathering brought together 26 centers funded by the National Institute of environmental Health Sciences to discuss the pressing need to address cumulative environmental impacts. community members shared their experiences of being exposed to harmful pollutants,including particulate matter (PM2.5) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from nearby industry and vehicle traffic.These pollutants contribute to long-term health problems, economic costs, and years of diminished quality of life.
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), communities of color are exposed to higher-than-average levels of toxic air pollution. This includes emissions from industries, vehicle traffic, and other environmental hazards, all of which combine in ways that are often invisible but incredibly damaging. The result? Higher rates of asthma, respiratory diseases, and other chronic health conditions that place an enormous burden on both individuals and the health care system.
Take Baltimore, for example. In 2021, the Maryland Department of Health found that asthma rates in Baltimore City are not only higher than the national average but disproportionately affect children, African Americans, and low-income residents. A staggering 18.6% of children in Baltimore suffer from asthma, compared to just 5-8% nationally. Adults in the city also suffer at higher rates, with 13.7% of the population living with asthma — well above both state and national averages. More troubling still, emergency room visits for asthma-related conditions in Baltimore are the highest in the state, with African Americans experiencing asthma-related hospitalizations and mortality rates far higher than their white counterparts.These statistics reflect more than just health disparities — they reveal an urgent environmental health crisis. The air pollution driving these rates of asthma and respiratory illness is not a random occurrence but a systemic problem tied to the industrial history of the city,zoning practices,and the concentration of polluting industries in low-income neighborhoods and communities of color. The science behind cumulative impacts shows that the health effects of these pollutants don’t simply add up — they interact in complex ways, worsening outcomes over time.
That’s why Maryland must pass the CHERISH Act, developed by directly impacted community members and championed by Sen. Clarence Lam (D-Howard and Anne Arundel) and Del. Jazz Lewis (D-Prince George’s). This legislation builds on recent progress in New York and New Jersey. In New York, for example, state law now requires an assessment of the cumulative impacts of new or reissued permits for industrial operations in disadvantaged communities.
This proactive approach is a model for how we can address the environmental injustices that perpetuate disparities in public health. Maryland must become the next state to bring cumulative impacts reform to our environmental policy. Addressing the cumulative impacts of pollution is not just a matter of science — it’s a matter of economic justice.The costs of unchecked pollution are staggering. In Baltimore, asthma alone results in thousands of emergency room visits every year, with the burden falling disproportionately on the public health care system.
In 2019,an estimated $23 million in emergency room costs were associated with asthma treatment,with nearly 71% of those costs covered by public funds. And this figure represents only a fraction of the broader economic impact of environmental pollution on health care, lost productivity, and education.
As we move forward, it is crucial that we adopt policies that recognize the full complexity of environmental harm. to truly address the health disparities exacerbated by pollution, we must assess how multiple environmental stressors — both chemical and non-chemical — affect communities. This requires not only better science but a commitment to environmental justice that includes the voices of impacted communities in decision-making.Only by taking a comprehensive approach to understanding and mitigating cumulative impacts can we protect public health,reduce health inequities,and ensure a healthier future for all.
| Key Statistics: Asthma in Baltimore |
|—————————————–|
| Children with Asthma | 18.6% (vs.5-8% nationally) |
| Adults with Asthma | 13.7% (above state and national averages) |
| Emergency Room Costs (2019) | $23 million (71% covered by public funds) |
| Disproportionate Impact | Higher rates among African Americans and low-income residents |
The fight against cumulative pollution is not just about cleaner air — it’s about justice,equity,and a healthier future for all. Let’s ensure that Maryland leads the way in addressing this critical issue.
The Hidden Crisis: How Cumulative Pollution Impacts Public Health in Baltimore and Beyond
In this exclusive interview, Dr. Emily Carter, an environmental health expert, discusses the alarming effects of cumulative pollution on public health, particularly in Baltimore. From asthma rates to systemic inequalities, Dr. Carter sheds light on the urgent need for policy reform and environmental justice.
Understanding Cumulative Pollution
Senior editor: Dr. Carter, thank you for joining us today. To start, could you explain what cumulative pollution is and why it’s such a critical issue for public health?
Dr. Emily Carter: Absolutely.Cumulative pollution refers to the combined impact of multiple environmental stressors—like air pollution, water contamination, and even social factors such as poverty—on a community’s health. These stressors don’t act in isolation; they interact in complex ways, amplifying their harmful effects. Such as, exposure to particulate matter (PM2.5) from industrial emissions and vehicle traffic can worsen respiratory conditions, especially in communities already facing systemic inequalities.
The Baltimore Case Study
Senior Editor: Baltimore has been a focal point in discussions about cumulative pollution. Can you share some insights into how this city exemplifies the problem?
Dr. Emily Carter: Baltimore is a stark example of how environmental injustice manifests. The city’s industrial history, zoning practices, and the concentration of polluting industries in low-income neighborhoods and communities of color have created a perfect storm of health disparities. For instance, asthma rates in Baltimore are substantially higher than the national average, with 18.6% of children affected compared to just 5-8% nationally. african Americans and low-income residents bear the brunt of this crisis, experiencing higher rates of asthma-related hospitalizations and mortality.
The Role of Policy in Addressing Cumulative Impacts
Senior editor: What role do you see for policy in addressing these cumulative impacts, and are there any promising developments on this front?
dr. emily Carter: Policy is crucial. We need legislation that recognizes the full scope of cumulative impacts and prioritizes environmental justice. The CHERISH Act, championed by Sen. Clarence Lam and Del. Jazz Lewis in Maryland, is a step in the right direction. This legislation builds on progress seen in states like New York, where new laws require an assessment of cumulative impacts for industrial permits in disadvantaged communities. Such proactive measures are essential for addressing the root causes of health disparities.
The Economic Burden of Pollution
Senior Editor: Beyond health, what are the economic implications of unchecked pollution?
Dr. Emily Carter: The economic costs are staggering. in Baltimore alone,asthma-related emergency room visits cost an estimated $23 million in 2019,with 71% of those costs covered by public funds. This is just the tip of the iceberg. When you factor in lost productivity, education disruptions, and long-term health care needs, the financial burden becomes even more apparent. Addressing cumulative pollution isn’t just a public health issue—it’s an economic imperative.
Moving Forward: A Call to Action
Senior Editor: What steps do you believe are necessary to create meaningful change?
Dr. Emily Carter: We need a comprehensive approach that includes better science, stronger policies, and, most importantly, the voices of impacted communities. Environmental justice must be at the forefront of decision-making. by understanding how multiple stressors interact and disproportionately affect vulnerable populations, we can develop targeted interventions that protect public health, reduce inequities, and ensure a healthier future for all.
