ABSTRACT
The previous chapter examined the increasing global production of chemicals along with their toxicological properties, persistence and tendency to bioaccumulate in the human body and ecological systems. Also discussed was the ubiquity of these chemical hazards and the potential for environmental releases from the extraction phase, product generation, storage, use and final disposal. As a follow up in the present chapter, we shall examine the geographical distribution of the facilities that handle such operations and the variability in exposure risks. Even though the risks are pervasive, too often they are not distributed equitably across communities. Rather, social and economically disadvantaged communities tend to bear the brunt of the exposures while reaping limited or none of the larger societal benefits. Studies addressing these concerns have collectively contributed to the environmental justice(EJ) literature, a fast growing area in the study of environmental hazards (USGAO (Government Accountability Office), 1983; UCC (United Church of Christ), 1987; Bullard, 1990; Mohai and Bryant, 1992; Burke, 1993; Adeola, 1994; Been, 1994; Bowen et al, 1995; Cutter, 1995; Yandle and Burton, 1996; Pulido, 2000; Harner et al, 2002; Maantay, 2002; Mennis, 2002; Margai, 2003; Chaix et al, 2006; Chakraborty, 2009).
