USEPA Environmental Justice Research Roadmap

Considerations of how to assess the risk of real world mixtures and to characterize cumulative risks have long been challenges in regulatory toxicology and public health.  The 1994 Executive Order 12898, Federal Actions to Address Environmental Justice (EJ) in Minority Populations and Low-Income Populations, has helped focus EPA research activities to address disproportionate risks in overburdened communities. These vulnerable communities may experience greater risk due to disparities in exposure at different critical lifestages or from multiple sources.  Factors that may modify health impacts include other nonchemical stressors (e.g., genetic background, other disease states such as diabetes or cardiovascular, and socioeconomic factors).  The EPA’s Office of Research and Development is developing a “roadmap” or strategic plan that provides an integrative framework for EJ research. It is intended to stimulate research activities, both within the Agency and in other sectors, to develop data and tools to address issues specific to EJ.  The critical factors that contribute to environmental health impacts and disparities are identified and discussed.  These include extending cumulative assessment methods, developing innovative decision making tools, and enhancing efforts to foster more meaningful community engagement.  Key EJ research activities in these areas will be illustrated and important data gaps will be highlighted. 

The views expressed in this abstract do not necessarily reflect those of the USEPA.