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Hell with the Lid Off: Racial Segregation and Environmental Equity in America’s Most Polluted City

Author

Listed:
  • Banzhaf, H. Spencer
  • Mathews, William
  • Walsh, Randall

Abstract

This study examines the relationship between racial segregation and environmental equity in Pittsburgh from 1910 to 1940. Utilizing newly digitized historical data on the spatial distribution of air pollution in what was likely America’s most polluted city, we analyze how racial disparities in exposure to air pollution evolved during this period of heightening segregation. Our findings reveal that black residents experi- enced significantly higher levels of pollution compared to their white counterparts, and this disparity increased over time. We identify within-city moves as a critical factor exacerbating this inequity, with black movers facing increased pollution expo- sure. In contrast, European immigrants, who were also initially exposed to relatively high levels of pollution, experience declining exposure as they assimilate over this time period. We also provide evidence of the capitalization of air pollution into hous- ing markets. Taken as a whole, our results underscore the importance of considering environmental factors in discussions of racial and economic inequalities.

Suggested Citation

  • Banzhaf, H. Spencer & Mathews, William & Walsh, Randall, 2024. "Hell with the Lid Off: Racial Segregation and Environmental Equity in America’s Most Polluted City," CEnREP Working Papers 347603, North Carolina State University, Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics.
    • Handle: RePEc:ags:cenrep:347603
    DOI: 10.22004/ag.econ.347603
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    Cited by:

    1. is not listed on IDEAS
    2. Schneider, Eric B., 2025. "Born in smog: the short- and long-run health consequences of acute air pollution exposure in historical London, 1892-1919," LSE Research Online Documents on Economics 128850, London School of Economics and Political Science, LSE Library.

    More about this item

    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • H44 - Public Economics - - Publicly Provided Goods - - - Publicly Provided Goods: Mixed Markets
    • I15 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Health and Economic Development
    • N30 - Economic History - - Labor and Consumers, Demography, Education, Health, Welfare, Income, Wealth, Religion, and Philanthropy - - - General, International, or Comparative
    • N92 - Economic History - - Regional and Urban History - - - U.S.; Canada: 1913-
    • Q53 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Environmental Economics - - - Air Pollution; Water Pollution; Noise; Hazardous Waste; Solid Waste; Recycling
    • R2 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - Household Analysis

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