Are deprived communities exposed to higher PM2.5 concentrations? Evidence from Cangzhou, China

Deprived communities tend to face higher environmental exposure risks due to inadequate environmental protection and economic investment. Estimating high-resolution disparities in pollution exposure is key to addressing such Environmental Justice issues. This study conducted a PM2.5 measurement campaign in Cangzhou, China, in 2021, by using a taxi-based mobile sensing system. Disparities in pollution exposure, health impacts and related economic costs were calculated between deprived and affluent zones. The results showed mean values cannot represent the full extent of exposure inequality, and distributional characteristics should be emphasized. Pollutant concentrations and relative risks in some disadvantaged areas exceeded the maximum values in affluent areas. Disparities are more pronounced within deprived areas, with Gini coefficients for pollution exposure of 9.12%, exceeding affluent areas (2.28%). But affluent areas exhibit higher economic costs. The study contributes to portraying the inequalities of environmental exposure in developing country cities, helping formulate policies to mitigate environmental health disparities.