For millions of people across the United States, the location of their homes jeopardizes their health. One in six Americans lives within three miles of a toxic waste site—often unknowingly. Scattered across the country, some sites are visible, but others, such as abandoned industrial facilities, can be inconspicuous.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) found these hazardous sites house some of the most harmful pollutants and levels of contamination for human health. The EPA has identified, assessed, and committed to cleaning up some of the most contaminated sites under the federal Superfund program. Irregardless of whether a site has received designation as a Superfund site, the cleanup of hazardous waste sites are often arduous and lengthy leaving nearby communities to grapple with extended exposure to toxins and the resulting serious environmental and health consequences.
This poses the greatest threat to communities of color. For nearly a century, discriminatory laws and policies have situated polluting industries near low-income communities of color and have led to the of subsidized and affordable housing on or close to Superfund sites. Today, Black Americans are 75 percent(PDF) more likely to live near waste-producing facilities, or within fenced-lined communities, than an average American. Further, the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) owns, operates, or subsidizes 18,158 properties (PDF) located within one mile of Superfund sites. The majorityof HUD tenants are households of color.