Social Justice and Equity Issues of Air Pollution

The impacts of air pollution on humans continue to receive significant attention from academia, practitioners, and policymakers. However, along with the visible effects of air pollution on human health, little is known about how they intersect with inequalities. This chapter attempts to review the social injustices and inequities related to air pollution and the connection between social deprivationsocial deprivation and exposure to air pollution which results in environmental injustices. To support the review findings, a case study of Bangkok City, Thailand, one among the most air-polluted cities in the Asia Pacific region, was used to demonstrate disparities in air pollution exposureair pollution exposure at the intersection of gender, age, occupation, and social background in the world of work where people are exposed to air pollution. The findings of the case study unequivocally show that various socioeconomic classes suffered from varying health impacts from air pollution at work. When it came to health risks, workers in the informal economy were exposed more than those in the formal economy, and those who worked near streets, highways, and industrial areas had more health problems associated with bad air quality. Because they are frequently impoverished women and young people engaged in informal work that is hazardous, arduous, dirty, and low-paid, as well as lacking social assistance and insurance, workplace safety measures, pension contributions, and paid sick leave, informal laborers are particularly vulnerable to air pollution. In conclusion, the chapter illustrates how social injustices and inequities, such as racism and discrimination against particular racial or ethnic groups, unequal access to public services like healthcare, and limited opportunities for employment and education, have an impact on social and economic disparities in air pollution exposureair pollution exposure.