Advisor(s)
Azar Mohammad Abadi Kamarei
Committee Member(s)
Jeffery Wickliffe
Lisa McCormick
Pamela Jackson
Wesley C Zech
School
School of Public Health
Document Type
Dissertation
Department (new version)
Environmental Health Sciences
Date of Award
1-6-2025
Abstract
As climate change intensifies environmental hazards and pollution impacts across the U.S., Alabama’s socio-demographically diverse regions face unique and disproportionate vulnerabilities. This dissertation investigates the intersection of socio-demographic factors, environmental justice, and the disproportionate impact of pollution and flood risks on vulnerable populations in Alabama. The first study assesses the role of elevation and socio-economic factors in influencing susceptibility to flooding in Jefferson County, revealing that low-income and minority groups are more likely to reside in high-risk flood zones. A detailed spatial analysis using 2D flood modeling identifies neighborhoods with high flood exposure, emphasizing the racial and economic disparities that shape flood vulnerability in urbanized areas. The second study examines the health impact of proximity to Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) sites in Jefferson County, focusing on respiratory health risks, specifically chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD). Findings indicate that residents living near TRI sites experience higher rates of COPD, compounded by socio-economic challenges and limited healthcare access, underscoring the environmental health risks for marginalized communities. The third study employs Local Indicators of Spatial Association (LISA) analysis to map vulnerability clusters in Alabama, focusing on the spatial distribution of TRI sites within flood-prone regions. They provide a broader foundational perspective on the state-wide distribution of environmental hazards and their intersection with social inequalities. Together, these studies provide a comprehensive understanding of how environmental hazards intersect with socio-demographic factors to influence public health outcomes and highlight the need for targeted interventions in high-risk areas across Alabama.
ProQuest ID
Recommended Citation
Kaushal, Aishwarya, "Influence Of Socio-Demographic Factors And Environmental Justice Issues On Vulnerable Populations Exposed To Pollution" (2025). All ETDs from UAB. 7301.
https://digitalcommons.library.uab.edu/etd-collection/7301
