Inklusion
  • INKLUSION
Saturday, July 5, 2025
  • HOME
  • TRENDING
  • DENVER FOODIE
  • REAL ESTATE
  • AUTO
  • HEALTH
  • SPORTS
  • EVENTS
  • HOME
  • TRENDING
  • DENVER FOODIE
  • REAL ESTATE
  • AUTO
  • HEALTH
  • SPORTS
  • EVENTS
No Result
View All Result
No Result
View All Result
Home Colorado Spotlight
Study Links Denver’s Worst Smells to Lower-Income, Minority Neighborhoods

Study Links Denver’s Worst Smells to Lower-Income, Minority Neighborhoods

by Larry Ulibarri
May 13, 2025
in Colorado Spotlight, Trending
0
0
SHARES
25
VIEWS
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Denver’s Worst Smells Linger in Marginalized Neighborhoods, Study Finds

In a new study examining environmental justice and urban air quality, researchers found that bad odors from sources like marijuana grow operations, pet food factories, and construction smoke are more likely to impact lower-income and predominantly non-white neighborhoods in Denver. The research, published in the Journal of Exposure Science and Environmental Epidemiology, analyzed nearly a decade of odor complaints filed with the city and revealed that areas historically shaped by redlining and structural inequities are more likely to host odor-emitting facilities.

The University of Colorado Denver-led team used machine learning to cluster nearly ten years of complaint data and mapped it against 265 facilities required to have odor-control plans. The result: neighborhoods with less wealth, education, and political influence were more likely to be located near sources of persistent odors. Despite this proximity, residents in those neighborhoods weren’t filing the most complaints—those came mostly from gentrifying or more affluent areas, possibly because residents there are more empowered to take action.

Odor exposure isn’t just an annoyance; it’s linked to elevated stress, headaches, nausea, and other health impacts. Unlike regulated pollutants like ozone or nitrogen dioxide, smells are governed locally and are harder to track, making enforcement inconsistent. Yet, researchers argue that odors are a tangible way cities like Denver can address air quality disparities with targeted action.

The study also raises questions about underreporting in vulnerable communities, suggesting that residents may be unaware of their rights or feel that their complaints won’t lead to change. As next steps, the research team plans to layer in wind data to better understand how smells travel—and why some communities bear the brunt of industrial and environmental nuisances.

Related Posts

Colorado’s UFO Watchtower Is the Weirdest Pit Stop You’ll Ever Love
Adventures

Colorado’s UFO Watchtower Is the Weirdest Pit Stop You’ll Ever Love

July 5, 2025
Fourth of July Sparks Chaos: Fire Crews Battle Blazes Across Metro Area
Trending

Fourth of July Sparks Chaos: Fire Crews Battle Blazes Across Metro Area

July 5, 2025
Here’s Where You Can Spot F-16 Flyovers Across Colorado This Independence Day
Trending

Here’s Where You Can Spot F-16 Flyovers Across Colorado This Independence Day

July 4, 2025
Colorado State Troopers Launch Six-Day DUI Blitz to Curb Holiday Traffic Deaths
Trending

Colorado State Troopers Launch Six-Day DUI Blitz to Curb Holiday Traffic Deaths

July 3, 2025
Next Post
Katy Perry’s Denver Concert Rescheduled After Nuggets Playoff Game Conflict at Ball Arena

Katy Perry's Denver Concert Rescheduled After Nuggets Playoff Game Conflict at Ball Arena

Historic La Vista Motel Reopens on Colfax with Coffee, Cocktails, and a Vintage Vibe
Trending

Historic La Vista Motel Reopens on Colfax with Coffee, Cocktails, and a Vintage Vibe

by Larry Ulibarri
July 1, 2025
0

A once-shuttered East Colfax icon is getting a second life—and a fresh shot of espresso. The historic La Vista Motel,...

Read moreDetails
Colorado State Troopers Launch Six-Day DUI Blitz to Curb Holiday Traffic Deaths

Colorado State Troopers Launch Six-Day DUI Blitz to Curb Holiday Traffic Deaths

July 3, 2025
Here’s Where You Can Spot F-16 Flyovers Across Colorado This Independence Day

Here’s Where You Can Spot F-16 Flyovers Across Colorado This Independence Day

July 4, 2025
Fourth of July Sparks Chaos: Fire Crews Battle Blazes Across Metro Area

Fourth of July Sparks Chaos: Fire Crews Battle Blazes Across Metro Area

July 5, 2025
Denver Police Seek Public’s Help Identifying Cherry Creek Bank Robbery Suspect

Denver Police Seek Public’s Help Identifying Cherry Creek Bank Robbery Suspect

June 29, 2025
  • Contact Us
  • Advertise

© 2021 I'm From Denver - Colorado's fastest growing online publication

No Result
View All Result
  • HOME
  • TRENDING
  • DENVER FOODIE
  • REAL ESTATE
  • AUTO
  • HEALTH
  • SPORTS
  • EVENTS

© 2021 I'm From Denver - Colorado's fastest growing online publication

X