A ⁢new study reveals that ⁤oil and gas operations contribute to over 90,000 premature deaths and significant health issues across the United States each year. The research highlights a deeply concerning disparity, with communities of color bearing a disproportionately ⁢high⁤ burden of these health impacts.

The analysis, the first⁤ of its kind, comprehensively examines the health consequences across the entire oil and gas supply chain – from initial exploration and extraction to final end-use. Key findings include over 10,000 premature births annually linked to fine particulate matter, 216,000 new childhood asthma cases ⁢attributed to nitrogen⁤ dioxide emissions, and 1,610 annual lifetime ⁢cancer cases stemming from hazardous air pollutants released by the industry.

Geographically, the⁤ highest overall impact is seen in states like California, Texas, New York, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey. However,⁤ when considering impacts per capita, Washington D.C., New Jersey, ⁢New York, California, and Maryland face the most significant challenges.

The study underscores a pattern of “fossil fuel racism,” where historically marginalized communities are systematically exposed to greater pollution risks. Specifically, Indigenous and Hispanic populations are more affected by pollution from the initial stages of oil and‍ gas production⁤ (exploration, extraction, transportation,⁣ and storage), while Black⁢ and Asian communities experience greater health burdens from processing, refining, manufacturing, distribution, and ‍combustion. Areas like Louisiana’s “Cancer Alley” and eastern ⁤Texas ⁣are especially affected.

Researchers utilized data from the federal government and the University of Colorado Boulder, combined with epidemiological and health data, to ⁤model pollution ‍sources and ⁣their ⁤associated health impacts. The findings indicate that oil ⁣and gas are responsible ⁢for a substantial portion of‍ air pollution-related health problems: one in five premature births and adult deaths linked to ⁢fine particulate pollution, and a staggering 90% of new childhood asthma cases tied to nitrogen dioxide pollution.

These disparities are rooted in historical discriminatory practices like redlining‍ and the disproportionate placement of oil and gas facilities near communities of color. While ⁣transitioning away⁤ from fossil fuels⁤ will take time to realize climate benefits, the ⁢immediate health improvements for affected communities would be substantial.