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Hell with the Lid Off: Racial Segregation and Environmental Equity in America’s Most Polluted City

Author

Listed:
  • H. Spencer Banzhaf
  • William Mathews
  • Randall Walsh

Abstract

This study examines the relationship between racial segregation and environmental equity in Pittsburgh from 1910 to 1940. Utilizing newly digitized historical data on the spatial distribution of air pollution in what was likely America's most polluted city, we analyze how racial disparities in exposure to air pollution evolved during this period of heightening segregation. Our findings reveal that black residents experienced significantly higher levels of pollution compared to their white counterparts, and this disparity increased over time. We identify within-city moves as a critical factor exacerbating this inequity, with black movers facing increased pollution exposure. We also provide evidence of the capitalization of air pollution into housing markets. Taken as a whole, our results underscore the importance of considering environmental factors in discussions of racial and economic inequalities.

Suggested Citation

  • H. Spencer Banzhaf & William Mathews & Randall Walsh, 2024. "Hell with the Lid Off: Racial Segregation and Environmental Equity in America’s Most Polluted City," NBER Working Papers 32950, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
    • Handle: RePEc:nbr:nberwo:32950
    Note: DAE EEE PE
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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • H44 - Public Economics - - Publicly Provided Goods - - - Publicly Provided Goods: Mixed Markets
    • I15 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Health and Economic Development
    • N30 - Economic History - - Labor and Consumers, Demography, Education, Health, Welfare, Income, Wealth, Religion, and Philanthropy - - - General, International, or Comparative
    • N92 - Economic History - - Regional and Urban History - - - U.S.; Canada: 1913-
    • Q53 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Environmental Economics - - - Air Pollution; Water Pollution; Noise; Hazardous Waste; Solid Waste; Recycling
    • R2 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - Household Analysis

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