Case Study: Intersections of Pollution, Poverty, Slavery, and Health in Ohio

:1. Introduction

Ohio, situated in the American Midwest, has a complex socio-environmental history shaped by industrialization, systemic racism, and public health disparities. This case study explores how the legacy of slavery, industrial pollution, and systemic neglect have disproportionately affected low-income and African American communities in Ohio, especially in urban centers such as Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati, and Dayton.

2. Historical Background

2.1 Slavery and Black Codes (1804–1865)

Although Ohio was a "free state," the Black Codes of 1804 restricted African Americans' rights:

• Required Black residents to post a $500 bond to live in the state.

• Denied voting, schooling, and public land rights.

• Contributed to the systemic marginalization and exclusion of Black Ohioans from economic and political systems.

2.2 Post-Civil War and Industrial Boom

Ohio's rise as an industrial powerhouse (steel, coal, railroads) in the 19th and 20th centuries:

• Created segregated labor markets: Black workers were often relegated to the most hazardous, low-paying jobs.

• Industrial zones were built near or within Black and poor white neighborhoods, leading to "environmental racism."

3. Pollution and Environmental Injustice

3.1 Urban Pollution in Minority Neighborhoods

• Cleveland's East Side, Columbus' Linden, and Cincinnati's Lower Price Hill are examples where industrial waste, landfills, and highways were disproportionately placed near Black neighborhoods.

• Lead contamination in homes (due to aging pipes and paint) and air pollution from factories led to chronic health issues.

3.2 Toxic Legacy of Industry

• Regions like Southeastern Ohio's Appalachian counties face water pollution from coal mining and fracking.

• The Ohio River, which borders several economically depressed communities, remains one of the most polluted rivers in the U.S. due to runoff and industrial discharge.

4. Poverty and Economic Disparities

4.1 Key Statistics (as of 2023)

• Ohio’s overall poverty rate: 13.4%

• Black Ohioans: 32.1% poverty rate

• Children under 5 in poverty: ~25%

• Top 10 poorest ZIP codes in Ohio are predominantly Black or rural white

4.2 Structural Barriers

• Redlining and discriminatory housing policies locked Black families into segregated, under-resourced neighborhoods.

• Lack of investment in education, infrastructure, and healthcare perpetuates generational poverty.

5. Health Disparities

5.1 Outcomes in Black and Low-Income Communities

• Infant mortality for Black babies in Ohio: over 13 per 1,000 live births, nearly triple that of white infants.

• High rates of asthma, diabetes, heart disease, and mental health issues in polluted and underserved areas.

• Access to healthcare remains limited in many communities due to hospital closures, lack of transportation, and mistrust of medical systems.

5.2 COVID-19 Impact

• Black and low-income Ohioans experienced disproportionate death rates and reduced vaccine access.

• Highlighted pre-existing vulnerabilities in housing, employment (essential workers), and healthcare access.

6. Interconnected Systems of Oppression

This case study shows the intersectionality of issues:

• Pollution is not randomly distributed—it follows patterns of race and poverty.

• The legacy of slavery and racist policies (e.g., Black Codes, redlining) established the foundation for generational poverty and poor health outcomes.

• Poverty and health are cyclical: poor environments cause poor health, which limits economic opportunity, perpetuating poverty.

7. Modern Activism and Solutions

7.1 Community-Based Efforts

• GEO Nonprofit, Environmental Health Watch, and Urban League of Greater Cleveland advocate for environmental justice, affordable housing, and healthcare access.

• Grassroots projects focus on urban farming, community clinics, workforce development, and youth empowerment.

7.2 Policy and Advocacy

• Expansion of Medicaid under the ACA improved access, but gaps remain.

• Push for Homegrown legislation to allow cannabis cultivation as a form of economic empowerment.

• Calls for reparative policies to address environmental and health inequities (e.g., Green New Deal local pilots).

8. Recommendations

For Policymakers:

• Invest in infrastructure upgrades in marginalized communities.

• Implement environmental justice metrics when granting industrial permits.

• Support Black-led health and community initiatives.

For Community Leaders:

• Build coalitions between nonprofits, faith groups, health centers, and educators.

• Use data and storytelling to highlight the connection between history and present-day inequities.

9. Conclusion

Ohio’s struggles with pollution, poverty, and health disparities are rooted in a deep history of systemic racism, industrial exploitation, and neglect. However, hope lies in community-led solutions, intersectional advocacy, and intentional policymaking that centers equity and justice.

Sources

• Ohio Department of Health (ODH)

• Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

• Kirwan Institute for the Study of Race and Ethnicity

• U.S. Census Bureau

• “Toxic Wastes and Race” (United Church of Christ)

• Cleveland State University: Center for Community Planning & Development