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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.
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.
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