Unlocking Environmental Justice in Maryland: Why the State is Ready for a Revolutionary Policy Shift

Every day, we face pollution from all around us. Some of it is easy to see, while other dangers lurk out of sight. Chemicals in the air, water, and soil can harm our health in countless ways, often without us even realizing it. These environmental issues, combined with social challenges, create serious health problems, especially in communities already fighting against inequality.

That’s where initiatives like the Johns Hopkins CHARMED (Community Health Addressing Regional Maryland Environmental Determinants of Disease) Center come into play. This center aims to tackle the cumulative effects of environmental problems on health. Recently, they hosted an important meeting in Baltimore with 26 other centers from across the nation, all aimed at sharing insights and addressing these challenges.

At this gathering, community members spoke out about their experiences with harmful pollutants. They described exposure to things like particulate matter (PM2.5) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which come from nearby industries and heavy traffic. Such pollutants can lead to serious long-term health issues and affect quality of life.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has found that communities of color often face more toxic air pollution than others. These emissions, stemming from factories and busy roads, create hidden yet harmful effects on health.

For instance, asthma is a significant concern, especially in Baltimore. In 2021, the Maryland Department of Health reported that asthma rates in Baltimore City were much higher than the national average. A staggering 18.6% of children in Baltimore have asthma, compared to just 5-8% nationally. The situation is similar for adults, with 13.7% suffering from asthma—above both state and national rates. Emergency room visits for asthma in Baltimore are the highest in Maryland, disproportionately affecting African Americans.

These statistics show a deeper problem. The high levels of air pollution are not random; they reflect the city’s history, zoning laws, and the presence of polluting industries in low-income neighborhoods. Research shows that the health impacts of these pollutants are interconnected, leading to worse health outcomes over time.

To combat this issue, Maryland is considering the CHERISH Act. This legislation, supported by community members and lawmakers like Sen. Clarence Lam and Del. Jazz Lewis, aims to improve environmental health in affected communities. Similar measures have already been enacted in New York, where new permits for industries must now assess potential cumulative impacts.

Addressing pollution is about more than just health—it’s about fairness. In Baltimore alone, asthma leads to many emergency room visits each year, straining the healthcare system. In 2019, the costs linked to asthma treatment reached approximately $23 million, with most of this being covered by public funds. This is just one example of the broader economic burden pollution places on healthcare, lost productivity, and education.

As we proceed, it’s crucial to develop policies that tackle the complexities of environmental harm. We need to understand how various environmental stressors impact communities, both chemical and otherwise. This will require better science and a commitment to include affected voices in decision-making.

A holistic approach is essential to safeguarding public health, reducing inequality, and fostering a healthier future for everyone.