Health worker experiences with environmental pollution : health in urban targeted community : a study of pollution and clinicians' experiences and attitudes towards it in urban low-income communities and communities of color

Author

Leslie B. Bosworth, Smith College

Publication Date

2011

Document Type

Masters Thesis

Department

School for Social Work

Keywords

Human beings-Effect of environment on, Environmental justice, Poor-Health and hygiene, Pollution-Physiological effect, Social work with minorities, Environmental discrimination, Worker awareness of environmental justice, Environment, Pollution, Health, Public health, Race, Income

Abstract

Research suggests that exposure to pollution can impact people's health, and that there are more chances for exposure in some urban low-income communities or communities of color. The purpose of the study is to explore whether social service oriented clinicians consider whether their clients are exposed to pollution, how large of a problem the believe pollution is for their clients, and what actions they and their clients have taken to protect against pollution. A second purpose is to assess whether clinicians view pollution as product of discrimination. A third purpose is to see if pollution is indeed higher in lower-income communities and communities of color than wealthier communities and white communities. Fifty-six clinicians serving urban low-income communities or communities of color filled out a brief survey. The location of clinicians' agencies were linked with local demographic information and local pollution levels. Most of the sample (41 people, 73.2%) believed their clients were exposed to pollution and half (30 people, 54.9%) believed pollution caused a health concern or made one worse. Most of the sample explained their clients' exposure as rooted class and about half explained it as rooted in race. Indeed, the most polluted areas were home to the lowest-income residents and had the highest proportion of people of color. High levels of pollution correlated with clinician report of clients' reproductive problems. Solutions and protections found by clinicians and clients are discussed.

Language

English

Comments

v, 90 p. Thesis (M.S.W.)-Smith College School for Social Work, Northampton, Mass., 2011. Includes bibliographical references (p. 71-76)

Recommended Citation

Bosworth, Leslie B., "Health worker experiences with environmental pollution : health in urban targeted community : a study of pollution and clinicians' experiences and attitudes towards it in urban low-income communities and communities of color" (2011). Masters Thesis, Smith College, Northampton, MA.
https://scholarworks.smith.edu/theses/1036