Pollution and Health in Black American Communities
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Provided by: PBS|Published on: May 7, 2026
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Scientist Reviewed This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Learn about our review process →
Synopsis
- These videos and related resources explain how Black Americans are disproportionately impacted by pollution.
- The resources focus on the "Toxic Triangle" located near San Francisco, California, where communities are exposed to high volumes of pollution, including radioactive material.
Subjects: Civics
Authors: PBS
Region: California
Languages: English
Teaching Materials
Positives
- These videos provide a lot of rich information while remaining brief.
- Many students may find this resource eye-opening as they understand the many layers associated with environmental concerns.
Prerequisites
- This resource builds on students' prior knowledge of how Black Americans have been treated throughout United States history.
Differentiation & Implementation
- After using this resource, students can practice reading scientific journal formats with this related article.
- The resource mentions having students visit the Mapping Inequality website for more information. Teachers can find suggestions for implementing this resource here.
- This video can be used as an introduction to environmental justice and the ways that racial issues and environmental issues intersect.
- Teachers can use this video to show the relationship between the Sustainable Development Goals, especially SDG 3, Good Health and Well-Being, and SDG 10, Reduced Inequalities.
This resource details how pollution disproportionately impacts Black American communities in the San Francisco Bay Area. In addition to the case-study area, the nationwide proximity of Superfund sites to minority communities is also highlighted in the second video. This resource highlights an important environmental justice issue and is recommended for teaching.
Teaching Tips
Standards
Resource Type and Format
Scientist Reviewed
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Our review process ensures that every resource in our library reflects the current state of climate science.
Learn about our review process →
