Using GIS to assess environmental risk for Pacific Islanders in Los Angeles County

Background: One possible upstream contributor to poor health outcomes among Pacific Islanders (PIs) is proximity to environmental hazards. If PIs are disproportionately exposed to high amounts of pollution, and have less access to health-promoting green space, it is an issue of environmental justice that must be addressed. Objective: The purpose of this study is to determine if PI communities experience environmental injustice due to their proximity to environmental hazards and lack of green space. This study describes the distribution of PI residents, pollution sources, and green spaces in Los Angeles (LA) County. Methods: This study uses geographic information systems to determine the environmental risk of PIs in LA County. Data were taken from the US Census, EPA Superfund, and EPA Toxic Release Inventory. Census and health data were joined to maps of LA County. Locations of Superfund sites, high-emitting polluters, and major freeways were geocoded to maps. Buffers and hotspot analysis were used to demonstrate environmental risk. Results: The vast majority of PI communities are located near to toxic sites and high-emitting polluters. Census tracts with large PI populations also have fewer green spaces. PIs disproportionately reside in areas of high environmental risk. Discussion: PIs experience environmental injustice due to their disproportionate exposure to environmental hazards and lack of green spaces. Environmental policies should focus on reducing environmental risk and increasing health resources to PI communities to prevent disease and promote wellness. Some grassroots organizations in LA are currently taking action to address environmental justice for PIs.