Here’s a Terrifying Example of How Systemic Racism Works
Even without bigoted intent, merely making decisions based on white norms can be deadly
The picture above is of a pulse oximeter.
You may know that. If you have asthma, COPD, or other lung function issues or have spent any time in a hospital, there’s a good chance you’ve used one at some point.
And during the COVID pandemic, suffice to say that this little device was a life-saver for many: alerting them to dangerously low oxygen levels, necessitating a trip to the hospital for supplemental oxygen when they might otherwise not have realized they were that bad off.
Last week, the Washington Post ran a fascinating piece about the development of the oximeter. Therein, they traced its history from a clunky, expensive device for Air Force fighter pilots to what we have now — units so small that millions of people have one in their bedside drawer or medicine cabinet.
The problem, however, is that pulse oximeters aren’t as accurate for people with darker skin.
Specifically, persons of color are more likely to exhibit “occult hypoxemia.” In these cases, an oximeter will indicate that a user has normal oxygenation even though their actual level is dangerously low.
