Environmental Health Disparities: Select Case Studies Related to Asian and Pacific Islander Americans

We focus on the disproportionate exposures to environmental contaminants and associated health outcomes with regards to Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (APIAs). We review several environmental justice issues related to air toxicants, methyl mercury, and lead. Segregation of APIAs in U.S. Chinatowns and other ethnic enclaves appear to be correlated with exposure to ambient air pollution and increased risk of cancer and asthma among children. The promotion of tobacco internationally, the use of traditional herbal medicine products, and consumption practices appear to place APIAs at higher risk of exposure to some environmental contaminants compared to non-Hispanic whites. Our results suggest heterogeneity in exposures within the APIA population. Identifying within group variation can be significant in characterizing elevated environmental exposure and risk. We conclude with a discussion about potential resources, policies, and advocacy events that may mitigate and potentially reverse health inequities among this population.