UC Irvine

This study aims to contribute to environmental justice research by examining how Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders (NHPIs), a relatively small minority group, are disproportionately impacted by environmental toxins. Proximity to three different environmental hazards is considered: toxic waste, industrial air pollution, and freeways. 2010 U.S. Census, Superfund, Toxic Release Inventory, and Los Angeles Department of Regional Planning data are used to analyze where NHPI populations live relative to these environmental hazards in Los Angeles County, California. Findings show that NHPI neighborhoods have high rates of being located near toxic waste, industrial air pollution, and freeways when compared to non-Hispanic whites and other racial/ethnic groups. Further analysis reveals that high percentages of the total NHPI population in Los Angeles are potentially exposed to toxic waste, industrial air pollution, and freeway pollution, placing them at risk for experiencing poor health due to environmental degradation. © Copyright 2014, Mary Ann Liebert, Inc. 2014.