A Multi-Pollutant Air Quality Analysis with Environmental Justice Considerations: Case Study for Detroit

Abstract

Over the last two decades, substantial studies have been conducted to assess the feasibility of a multi-pollutant strategy for managing air quality in the United States. Given the inherent complexity of multi-pollutant air quality challenges, including fine particulate matter (PM2.5), ozone (O3), and air toxics, this paper undertook a multi-pollutant analysis at both national and local levels. Our analysis incorporated O3 and PM2.5 concentrations, air toxics that increase the risk of cancer, environmental justice (EJ) data, emissions data, and monitoring data. Initially, we identified counties across the continental U.S. with heightened multi-pollutant exposures and EJ concerns. Subsequently, a case study within the Detroit metropolitan area was conducted, revealing a clear overlap between multi-pollutant and EJ issues, underscoring the disproportionate burden on disadvantaged communities. The analysis of detailed emissions data unveiled potential co-control benefits in this region. Lastly, employing a proximity analysis method, we assessed environmental issues surrounding points of interest such as monitoring sites and emissions sectors, in the Detroit metropolitan area. The results demonstrated that monitoring sites with the highest monitoring value, alongside top-ranked emissions sectors such as electric utilities, coke ovens, and iron and steel production, were likely to exhibit elevated air pollutant concentrations/risks and associated EJ concerns in their vicinity.