Louisiana's industrial corridor linked to higher rates of low birth weight and preterm births
A new study reveals that babies in Louisiana's "Cancer Alley" face significantly higher risks of low birth weight and preterm births, exceeding national averages.
Aliya Uteuova reports for The Guardian.
In short:
- Research from Tulane University, published in a Human Rights Watch report, highlights alarming rates of low birth weight and preterm births in Louisiana's "Cancer Alley."
- The study connects these health issues to the area's high pollution levels, predominantly from more than 200 petrochemical plants.
- Residents, particularly in predominantly Black communities, report various health problems, including increased cancer rates and reproductive issues.
Key quote:
"The level of human health crisis is identifiable and preventable."
— Antonia Juhasz, senior researcher at Human Rights Watch
Why this matters:
This issue underscores a critical intersection of environmental justice and public health, particularly affecting marginalized communities. It highlights the urgent need for policy interventions to mitigate pollution's impact on health, especially in vulnerable populations.
A recent report underscores the climate, environmental, and human rights tolls linked to petrochemical production, adding to the ongoing controversy surrounding the practices of the U.S. fossil fuel industry.
