Environmental Justice and Health Disparities in Appalachia, Ohio

Abstract

The Appalachian Regional Development Act of 1965 defines Appalachia as a region of the eastern United States that historically has relied on mining and other extractive industries. A major purpose of this Act was to decrease economic inequities in more than 400 counties in thirteen States. These counties have contributed to national prosperity but have not reaped the benefits of this contribution. As part of Appalachia, southeastern Ohio posts the highest poverty levels in the State. Combined with this poverty are numerous environmental problems that expose area residents to environmental health hazards. There is a relationship between socioeconomic status (SES) and environmental conditions that leads to both positive and negative health outcomes. This paper discusses environmental health and health disparities in Appalachia, Ohio. The meanings of “environmental justice” and “health disparities” are explored. Several case studies are presented, including a case of perfluorooctanoic acid (C8) exposure, a case involving the siting of a medical waste incinerator, and a case in which an entire community was purchased by a major power company because of uncontrollable emissions. All of the cases set precedents that may lead to improvements in our understanding of the political, social, and environmental factors that lead to health disparities in poor rural populations worldwide.