Summary Of Cancer Alley Big Industry Big Problem By Trymaine Lee

Introduction

The article Cancer Alley: Big Industry, Big Problem written by Trymaine Lee discusses the connection between health risk and the environment in the south, particularly in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The article explains the connection between poverty, and the location of industrial plants that expose people to toxic pollutants. Studies conducted on the United States show that poor people, mostly poor African Americans, are more likely to live in neighborhood that is close to industrial plants, which causes them to be more at risk for health issues due to the environment. In general, the article explains that in the United States, particularly in the south, there is something called environmental racism. Environmental racism can be described as certain people in certain areas are exposed to contaminated air, soil and water.

Brunetta Sims

Sims describes how many people in her neighborhood have died of cancer and other illnesses. She lives in area that is referred to as Cancer Alley, which stretches from Baton Rouge to New Orleans. This area was given this name because there are 150 plants and refineries in that area, and there have been many cancer cases, illnesses and deaths.

Louisiana

Louisiana is one of the poorest states in the U.S. According to the most recent Census, about 20% of the state’s population lives below the poverty line. The majority of the poor residents live in Baton Rouge. In Baton Rouge, around 25% live below the poverty line, and women head 50% of the households. Baton Rouge also is the location of the Exxon’s Standard Heights plants. Many people in this area suffer from respiratory issues, memory loss, the loss of liver function and different skin conditions due to the plants.

Manufacturing