Pollution and Health in Black American Communities

Videos

Grades9, 10, 11, 12Civics

Scientist Reviewed

Provided by PBS

Open Resource

What it is

These videos and related resources explain how Black Americans are disproportionately impacted by pollution.
The resources focus on the "Toxic Triangle" located near San Francisco, California, where communities are exposed to high volumes of pollution, including radioactive material.

Teaching tips

Positives

These videos provide a lot of rich information while remaining brief.
Many students may find this resource eye-opening as they understand the many layers associated with environmental concerns.

Prerequisites

This resource builds on students' prior knowledge of how Black Americans have been treated throughout United States history.

Differentiation & Implementation

After using this resource, students can practice reading scientific journal formats with this related article.
The resource mentions having students visit the Mapping Inequality website for more information. Teachers can find suggestions for implementing this resource here.
This video can be used as an introduction to environmental justice and the ways that racial issues and environmental issues intersect.
Teachers can use this video to show the relationship between the Sustainable Development Goals, especially SDG 3, Good Health and Well-Being, and SDG 10, Reduced Inequalities.

From the scientist review

This resource details how pollution disproportionately impacts Black American communities in the San Francisco Bay Area. In addition to the case-study area, the nationwide proximity of Superfund sites to minority communities is also highlighted in the second video. This resource highlights an important environmental justice issue and is recommended for teaching.

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At a glance

Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12
Subjects: Civics
Other types: Activity - Classroom, Worksheets
Format: Microsoft Word
Language: English
Location: North America > United States > California
Provider: PBS
Authors: PBS
Published: May 7, 2026
Last updated: July 16, 2026
: Reviewed by our climate scientists How we review

Standards alignment · D2.Civ.10.9-12 + 6 more

Core

College, Career, and Civic Life (C3) Standards

D2.Civ.10.9-12Analyze the impact and the appropriate roles of personal interests and perspectives on the application of civic virtues, democratic principles, constitutional rights, and human rights.
D2.His.2.9-12Analyze change and continuity in historical eras.
D2.His.5.9-12Analyze how historical contexts shaped and continue to shape people's perspectives.
D2.Civ.13.9-12.Evaluate public policies in terms of intended and unintended outcomes, and related consequences.

Maine Climate Education Hub

Health Education

1.4.9-DStudents analyze how one's environment and other factors impact personal health.

Science and Engineering

HS-ESS3-3Create a computational simulation to illustrate the relationships among management of natural resources, the sustainability of human populations, and biodiversity.

Social Studies

Civics& Government 1 (D1): Students understand the ideals, purposes, principles, structures, and processes of constitutional government in the United States and in the American political system, as well as examples of other forms of government and political systems in the world by evaluating and comparing the relationship of citizens with government in the United States and other regions of the world.

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Teaching tips

From the scientist review

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