Neighborhood Context and Pollutants: Assessing the Impact of Particular Matter Exposure on Delinquent Behavior

• In Event: Neighborhoods, Race, and Theory

Abstract

Air pollution has been attributed to diminished cognitive abilities, particularly during early life periods. One hypothesized consequences of exposure to air pollutants is an increase in later negative life outcomes, such as crime and delinquency. To further advance this literature, this study investigates the relationship between exposure to ambient air pollutants, specifically PM 2.5 (particulate matter with aerodynamic diameter < 2.5 μm), and delinquency among individuals in Denver, Colorado, and St. Louis, Missouri. I accomplish this by linking geocoded longitudinal self-reported crime data to data capturing exposure to fine inhalable particle concentrations developed by the Center for Air, Climate, and Energy Solutions (CACES). The research findings will address the potential influence of residential air pollutant exposure on delinquent behaviors and other negative outcomes, and can provide a nuanced understanding of the long-term consequences of air pollution exposure on trajectories of delinquent behaviors. The implications for both criminological theory and environmental policy will be discussed.

Author

• Ileana Morales, University of Colorado Boulder