At a glance
The Health Vulnerability Module (HVM) contains indicators of pre-existing chronic health conditions that can make people more vulnerable to the effects of environmental hazards. The HVM contains indicators relating to the high estimated prevalence of asthma, cancer, coronary heart disease, diabetes, and poor mental health.
High estimated prevalence of health conditions
High estimated prevalence of asthma
What is asthma?
Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition that is characterized by inflammation and narrowing of the airways, leading to recurring episodes of wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath. Asthma is a common condition and can affect people of all ages.
Why is asthma included in the EJI?
Environmental factors, such as air pollution, allergens, and indoor contaminants can trigger or make asthma symptoms worse. Communities located near industrial facilities, highways, or areas with poor air quality may be more susceptible to these triggers. Additionally, inadequate housing conditions, such as mold or pests, can also contribute to the development or worsening of asthma.
How is asthma calculated for the EJI?
The EJI uses data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's 2024 PLACES Estimates to calculate the estimated prevalence of asthma among adults (aged 18 and older) and flags census tracts with an estimated prevalence of greater than 66.66%.
Learn more about how this indicator is important for environmental justice:
High estimated prevalence of cancer
What is cancer?
While there are many types of cancer, cancer is typically characterized by the uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells in the body. Cancer can affect various organs and tissues, leading to the formation of tumors and the invasion of nearby tissues.
Why is cancer included in the EJI?
Exposure to various environmental contaminants, such as air pollution, hazardous waste sites, industrial emissions, and contaminated water sources has been shown to increase the risk of developing certain types of cancer. People living near these types of environmental burdens may be at risk of developing cancer.
How is cancer calculated for the EJI?
The EJI uses data from the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention's 2024 PLACES Estimates to calculate the estimated prevalence of all-cause cancer (excluding skin cancer) among adults (aged 18 and over) and flags census tracts with an estimated prevalence of greater than 66.66%.
Learn more about how this indicator is important for environmental justice:
High estimated prevalence of coronary heart disease
What is coronary heart disease?
Coronary heart disease is a form of cardiovascular disease that is caused by a build-up of plaque in the arteries, which can increase the risk of heart attack or cardiac arrest.
Why is coronary heart disease included in the EJI?
Research has found that both acute and long-term exposure to air pollutants, including particulate matter 2.5 and nitrogen dioxide, can increase the risk of hospitalization for those with coronary heart disease.
How is coronary heart disease calculated for the EJI?
The EJI uses data from the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention's 2024 PLACES Estimates to calculate the estimated prevalence of coronary heart disease among adults (aged 18 and over) and flags census tracts with an estimated prevalence of greater than 66.66%.
High estimated prevalence of diabetes
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic health condition characterized by high levels of glucose (sugar) in the blood. It occurs when the body either does not produce enough insulin (a hormone that helps regulate blood sugar levels and allows the body to use glucose for energy) or cannot effectively use the insulin that it produces.
Why is diabetes included in the EJI?
Environmental factors, such as air pollution, exposure to toxins, and limited access to healthy food options can contribute to the development of and worsening of diabetes. Poor air quality and exposure to pollutants has also been shown to increase inflammation and make diabetes symptoms worse.
How is diabetes calculated for the EJI?
The EJI uses data from the U.S. Center for Disease Control's 2024 PLACES Estimates to calculate the estimated prevalence of diabetes among adults (aged 18 and over) and flags census tracts with an estimated prevalence of greater than 66.66%.
Learn more about how this indicator is important for environmental justice:
High estimated prevalence of poor mental health
What is poor mental health?
The definition of poor mental health can vary from person-to-person. For example, people who report feeling like they have poor mental health may be experiencing stress, depression, anxiety, other mental disorders or disabilities, and/or a sense of not feeling "well" or like their normal selves.
Why is poor mental health included in the EJI?
Poor mental health can be caused and made worse by poor environmental conditions, low socioeconomic status, discrimination, trauma, lack of access to health care, and more. These factors disproportionately affect marginalized communities and contribute to disparities in mental health outcomes.
How is poor mental health calculated for the EJI?
The EJI uses data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's 2024 PLACES Estimates to calculate the estimated prevalence of poor mental health for greater than or equal to 14 days among adults (aged 18 and over) and flags census tracts with an estimated prevalence of greater than 66.66%.
Learn more about how this indicator is important for environmental justice: