Smoking the Pulse—Examining Air Pollution and Health Disparities in Marginalized Neighborhoods

Site Leaders: Sadhana Chari and Njwi Achoh

Air Pollution and Health

Air pollution affects our health in numerous ways, ranging from respiratory issues to heart disease. It also creates a deeper sense of unease—especially for those living under its constant presence.

Stanford Medicine researchers found that Black Americans are far more likely to die from air pollution-related causes than white Americans. This is attributed to increased exposure and heightened vulnerability tied to systemic inequality. Since the 1800s, traditional industries have contributed to these environmental injustices. With the rise of AI, energy-intensive data centers consume up to six times the power of traditional centers, straining already overburdened communities.

Although the Clean Air Act provides a regulatory framework, it is often undermined by weak enforcement. Many corporations violate standards without consequence, leaving frontline communities to fight for environmental justice on their own. Policy changes and enforcement are critical—but citizen advocacy is just as powerful. By supporting impacted communities, we can push for accountability and a more sustainable, equitable future.

Research Question

How has industrialization, including the recent development of AI facilities, contributed to air pollution and worsened health outcomes? What intersecting factors further impact health risk and pathologies across communities?

Progress comes with a price — Toxic Skies

The American Lung Association “State of the Air” report indicates that 156 million people, nearly half of all Americans, live in areas with unhealthy levels of air pollution. There is an evident correlation between polluted air exposure and health complications, particularly respiratory and cardiovascular issues. These adverse effects disproportionately impact communities of color, with over half of the 41.2% makeup of people of color living in a county with at least one air quality failing grade.1 These reports help explain ongoing environmental injustices in places like “Cancer Alley” near Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and South Memphis in Tennessee. Both areas with low-income and majority black populations have a history of invasive industrialization and, consequently, a lower quality of life. It is clear that air pollution is not only a public health crisis but also a racial and socioeconomic one. Predominantly Black and low-income neighborhoods face the worst of industrial emissions yet receive few, if any, benefits. These conditions contribute to high rates of chronic illness and reflect a long history of environmental racism.

Emissions from an oil refinery in Houston, Texas | The Gaurdian

Memphians protesting Elon Musk's Colossus data center, Memphis, TN

Native environmentalists protest over gas pipeline, Houton, TX

Data Center Affects on Climate Change | Submer

Now, with the rapid development of AI technology, the rate of construction of data centers, or “super computers” across the country has increased significantly, with many locations strategically placed in marginalized communities. Generative AI data centers are far more energy dense and contribute to around 2.5% to 3.7% of the world’s carbon emissions. While the figure seems modest, industry consumption is expected to multiply as models become more sophisticated.2 Our research focuses on the health impacts of air pollution in historically marginalized communities, particularly in the U.S. South, highlighting the intersection between the environment, race and income, and health.

Citations and references can be found in Sources.

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