According to the California EPA, hazardous waste facilities are often located near poorer neighborhoods and communities of color. A 2011 study of 82 hazardous waste treatment, storage and disposal communities in Los Angeles County found that the communities most affected by the facilities are primarily working-class and ethnic minority populations living near industrial areas.

Other studies have found health effects, including diabetes and cardiovascular disease, are associated with living near a hazardous waste site.

Data show the rate of heart-attack-related emergency room visits in Coronado from 2011 to 2013 is 1.7 per 10,000 people. Camp Pendleton has a rate of 4.5 and south Barrio Logan has a rate of 5.4.