It's not like they have the ability to bring legal action against those that pollute their areas. And unfortunately, that's how it is playing out. Richer (read: White) neighborhoods are kep pollution-wise cleaner in both soil and air pollution. Whereas communities primarily African American are dirtier. Chemical factories move in, coal factories start up. Polluting industries take over, primarily because people haven't the money to "NIMBY" them.

http://www.alternet.org/environment/7-toxic-assaults-communi...

http://www.usccr.gov/pubs/envjust/ch2.htm

http://www.environmentalhealthnews.org/ehs/news/2012/unequal...

https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/people-poor-neigh...