Written By Living near a chemical plant can be a nightmare. The constant noise, the noxious fumes, the fear of accidents and explosions – it all takes a toll on the health and well-being of the people who call these areas home.
In the United States, there are thousands of communities that live in the shadow of industrial pollution. Many of these communities are low-income, minority, and have limited resources to fight back against the powerful corporations that operate the chemical plants.
One such community is Manchester, a predominantly Latino neighborhood in Houston, Texas. Manchester is home to numerous petrochemical facilities, which emit toxic chemicals into the air and water. Residents of the community have suffered from high rates of cancer, respiratory problems, and other illnesses.
In 2016, a chemical fire at one of the plants sent a cloud of toxic smoke over the neighborhood, prompting residents to evacuate. It was a terrifying reminder of the dangers of living in such close proximity to these facilities.
But for many residents of Manchester, moving away is not an option. They have deep roots in the community and limited financial resources. They must endure the pollution and the health risks that come with it.
The story is similar in other parts of the country. In Louisiana, the Cancer Alley region has been hit hard by pollution from petrochemical plants. In California, the town of Wilmington, a predominantly Latino community, is home to numerous oil refineries and has suffered from high rates of asthma and other respiratory illnesses.
But communities are fighting back. In Manchester, residents have formed the Manchester United community organization to demand better protections from the pollution. They have organized protests, spoken out at public meetings, and sued the companies responsible for the pollution.
Their efforts have had some success. In 2019, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) cited three companies in the Houston area for violating the Clean Air Act. It was a small victory for the residents of Manchester and other communities that have been fighting against pollution for years.
But the fight is far from over. The Trump administration rolled back numerous environmental regulations, making it easier for companies to pollute without consequences. The Biden administration has promised to reverse course, but it remains to be seen whether they will follow through on their promises.
In conclusion, life in the poisonous zone is a harsh reality for many communities around the country. Living near chemical plants can take a toll on physical and mental health, and the fight for justice is often a long and difficult one. But communities are fighting back, demanding better protections and holding polluters accountable. It is up to all of us to support these communities, to amplify their voices, and to demand a safer, healthier future for all.
