Disparities in Exposure to Emerging Contaminants Across Demographic Groups in America: A NHANES-Based Analysis (2011-2018)

Background Human activities continually introduce a broad spectrum of chemicals, including emerging contaminants (ECs), into ecosystems. This ongoing process increases global exposure to complex toxic substances and exacerbates health risks via environmental pollution. In the past decade, the increasing scientific understanding of these hazards has driven research into pollutant-related health vulnerabilities, yielding robust evidence to support the development of public health policies. Methods This study analyzes NHANES data from 2011 to 2018 to assess racial disparities in exposure to 42 ECs, defined as pollutants that were not measured by NHANES prior to 2011. Utilizing advanced statistical models, significant racial variations as well as gender, educational level, age, poverty-to-income ratio (PIR), body mass index (BMI) and smoking status in exposure levels were identified. Results Asians exhibited the highest ECs burden from diet and residential segregation. Whites have higher heavy metals and nicotine metabolites from occupation and smoking. Blacks are more exposed to chemicals in personal care products and nicotine metabolites due to marketing and redlining. Mexican Americans have more fluoride exposure from water fluoridation. Furthermore, various covariates also influence the extent of sensitivity to environmental exposure to a certain degree. Systemic inequities—including environmental racism, socioeconomic disparities, and cultural practices—underlie these observed patterns. Conclusions The study advocates for stricter regulations on PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), biomonitoring of high-risk groups such as Asian male smokers, and equitable interventions aimed at addressing structural barriers. These findings underscore the urgent need for policy reforms designed to mitigate exposure disparities rooted in systemic injustice while advancing environmental health equity through targeted public health strategies.