Abstract

Manufacturing is a large part of the American economy and is responsible for a considerable portion of American gross domestic product. One large negative externality of the American manufacturing sector is from resulting waste products. These waste products negatively impact the health of those exposed. Consequently, it is imperative that all intricacies of American manufacturing, particularly environmental degradation and resulting health impacts, are understood to create a better, healthier society. While there exists an abundance of literature discussing the relationship between income and demographic characteristics with environmental degradation, there is little existing literature examining the relationship between environmental degradation with the diversity of demographics and income in a population. Our set of panel data, collected from the Toxic Release Inventory, regarding pollution discharges in each U.S. metropolitan county over twenty years allowed for an in-depth study of environmental quality over time and space. This study focused on the impact of income inequality and demographic composition on environmental damage and resulting health outcomes. Using regression analysis of the panel data allowed us to estimate the relationship between these factors. Preliminary data analysis suggest that within a county, income inequality and toxic releases are positively correlated.