Methodological considerations in the study of toxic waste hazards

According to Deehon Ferris, a member of the EPA's Environmental Justice Advisory Panel, “The failure to recognize the inextricable link between the legacy of poverty and racism leads to [the] development of mono-dimensional solutions” (BNA National Environment Daily, May 5, 1995). Ferris's statement is indicative of how the dialogue in environmental justice is one of framing issues in the context of an existing debate: race versus class. Building on an earlier empirical study, this article reframes the “race versus class” debate in the context of methodological considerations. By including two different indicators of toxic hazards, I demonstrate that some research designs may not properly assess environmental injustice (in this case environmental racism). I conclude that the “race versus class” debate must be elaborated in light of the appropriateness of different toxic indicators.