“Facilities in this country are built on the worst spots:” Examining environmental Hazards in Prison

• In Event: Disruption and Regrouping: Learning about Prisons and Moving Beyond What’s Always Been

Abstract

Carceral facilities are often situated on or near toxic lands, a pattern observed across the U.S. Scholars have noted that incarcerated people are suffering from deteriorating health due to environmental hazards, with lawsuits highlighting this connection. However, there is limited understanding of the lived experiences of incarcerated people and staff regarding environmental injustices in these spaces. This study aims to fill that gap by utilizing qualitative interviews with residents and staff in eight U.S. prisons and five jails to examine patterns of environmental justice concerns. The thirteen carceral facilities are ranked based on surrounding environmental issues. We then analyze the frequency with which residents and staff discuss environmental problems related to pollution in the air, water, and land. This study explores the effects of these issues on the individuals' daily lives and well-being. Our findings reveal that across all levels of environmental concern, both residents and, in some cases, staff express significant worries about exposure to a negative environment. This research provides a deeper understanding of how environmental hazards within carceral settings impact the physical health of incarcerated persons and the staff working within these facilities. Additionally, it sheds light on the broader implications of environmental justice in correctional spaces.

Authors

• Elisa Toman, Texas State University

• Danielle Rudes, Sam Houston State University