Racial Ethnic and Class Variation in Exposure to Environmental Toxins

This dissertation contributes to the fields of medical sociology, environmental health, and public health by examining the effects of social stratification on environmental exposures and physical morbidity. Although previous conceptual models suggest that the unequal distribution of environmental exposures may help to explain race/ethnic and socioeconomic differences in physical health, there is little to no empirical evidence to support these processes. Building on previous research. I use data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (2007-2008) to formally assess the following questions: 1) Does exposure to environmental toxins vary according to race/ethnicity and socioeconomic status? 2) Do race/ethnic and socioeconomic differences in environmental exposures help to explain race/ethnic and socioeconomic differences in physical health? The results of this research extend the literature by revealing empirically the unequal exposures to environmental toxins by race/ethnicity and socioeconomic status. Specifically, race/ethnic minorities (Blacks and Hispanics) and individuals with lower levels of socioeconomic status are disproportionately exposed to environmental toxins. Although overall toxin exposure and lead were unrelated to self-rated health, cadmium. was found to partially mediate race/ethnic and socioeconomic differences in self-rated health.