Race, Wealth, and Solid Waste Facilities in North Carolina
Author Information
Author(s): Jennifer M. Norton, Steve Wing, Hester J. Lipscomb, Jay S. Kaufman, Stephen W. Marshall, Altha J. Cravey
Primary Institution: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Hypothesis
Are solid waste facilities disproportionately located in poor communities and communities of color in North Carolina?
Conclusion
Solid waste facilities are disproportionately located in communities of color and low wealth in North Carolina, raising public health concerns.
Supporting Evidence
- The adjusted prevalence odds of a solid waste facility was 2.8 times greater in block groups with ≥50% people of color.
- The adjusted hazard of a new permitted facility was 2.7 times higher in block groups with ≥50% people of color.
- Solid waste facilities present numerous public health concerns.
Takeaway
This study found that areas with more people of color and lower wealth have more solid waste facilities, which can be harmful to health.
Methodology
The study used census block groups to analyze the racial and economic characteristics of communities in relation to solid waste facility locations, employing logistic and Cox regression analyses.
Potential Biases
The study may have biases related to the geographic representation of solid waste facilities.
Limitations
The study could not examine all types of solid waste facilities and relied on potentially misclassified location data.
Participant Demographics
The primary racial and ethnic groups in North Carolina are white non-Hispanic (70%), African-American non-Hispanic (21%), Hispanic (5%), Asian non-Hispanic (1%), and American Indian non-Hispanic (1%).
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Confidence Interval
95% CI
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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