The term was defined by Robert Bullard in his book “Dumping in Dixie.” Bullard described it as “any policy, practice or directive that differentially affects or disadvantages (where intended or unintended) individuals, groups or communities based on race.” Communities of color are often overloaded with a disproportionate number of toxic polluters including garbage dumps, highways, manufacturing facilities, recycling centers and other sites that produce pollutants. The increased exposure to such toxins results in a higher-than-average risk of chronic diseases and cancers. For example, a 2018 study by the Environmental Protection Agency found that the environmental health burden is 28% higher for people of color compared to other groups due to living close to polluters.
