Schools near Toxics Release Inventory Sites: An Environmental Justice Study for Schoolchildren in Boston, MA

Abstract

Previous research on environmental justice has demonstrated a disproportionate burden of environmental hazards on low-income and minority residents. This study uses statistical and GIS analysis methods to examine whether, in Boston, there are disparities in the proximity of public schools to Toxics Release Inventory sites based on school-level characteristics, such as schoolchildren’s racial and socio-economic statuses, educational resources and academic achievements. Research results show that schools with high percentages of minority (i.e. Black schoolchildren) and economically disadvantaged schoolchildren are more likely to be located closer to Toxics Release Inventory sites in Boston, indicating the existence of an environmental injustice issue in the city. In addition, schoolchildren in the schools located closer to Toxics Release Inventory sites tend to have lower academic performance. This research suggests that special attention should be given to unequal exposure of public schools to hazardous sites in Boston and calls for decision makers to spend scarce funds on promoting environmental justice. Such changes could have positive effects on schoolchildren’s academic achievements.

Keywords

• GIS
• school
• environmental justice
• Boston