Air Pollution in American Indian Versus Non–American Indian Communities, 2000–2018

Abstract

Objectives. To compare fine particulate matter (PM2.5) concentrations in American Indian (AI)-populated with those in non–AI-populated counties over time (2000–2018) in the contiguous United States. Methods. We used a multicriteria approach to classify counties as AI- or non--AI-populated. We ran linear mixed effects models to estimate the difference in countywide annual PM2.5 concentrations from well-validated prediction models and monitoring sites (modeled and measured PM2.5, respectively) in AI- versus non–AI-populated counties. Results. On average, adjusted modeled PM2.5 concentrations in AI-populated counties were 0.38 micrograms per cubic meter (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.23, 0.54) lower than in non–AI-populated counties. However, this difference was not constant over time: in 2000, modeled concentrations in AI-populated counties were 1.46 micrograms per cubic meter (95% CI = 1.25, 1.68) lower, and by 2018, they were 0.66 micrograms per cubic meter (95% CI = 0.45, 0.87) higher. Over the study period, adjusted modeled PM2.5 mean concentrations decreased by 2.13 micrograms per cubic meter in AI-populated counties versus 4.26 micrograms per cubic meter in non–AI-populated counties. Results were similar for measured PM2.5. Conclusions. This study highlights disparities in PM2.5 trends between AI- and non–AI-populated counties over time, underscoring the need to strengthen air pollution regulations and prevention implementation in tribal territories and areas where AI populations live. (Am J Public Health. 2022;112(4): 615–623. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2021.306650 )