Black Town In Louisiana Known As "Cancer Alley" Cancer Capital Of America!

Cancer Alley is a nickname for an 85-mile stretch of land in Louisiana along the Mississippi River between Baton Rouge and New Orleans. It's known for being a polluted area with a high risk of cancer from industrial air pollution

Known for
High risk of cancer from industrial air pollution

Features
Over 200 petrochemical plants and refineries, accounting for 25% of the nation's petrochemical production

Health risks
Elevated rates of cancer, respiratory ailments, and maternal, reproductive, and newborn health harms

Affected residents
Black residents are disproportionately affected by the harms

Environmental impact
Human Rights Watch says the industry has devastated the environment of residents
Advocacy Advocates are fighting against polluters by stopping proposed plants and fighting for solar farms

The area's petrochemical companies have been attracted to the Mississippi River since the 1940s because it's accessible for trade, receiving supplies, and disposing of waste. The plants are also close to neighborhoods where most residents are Black.

One study found that ethylene oxide is the main chemical contributing to the hazardous air pollutants in Cancer Alley. The government aims to allow zero emissions, but polluters are still given permits to emit some of the substance each year." - Social News | Posted by Thrillz