Environmental activists in Mossville, Louisiana tried for decades to convince state and federal governments that they live in a toxic town. They claim the 14 chemical plants surrounding the African-American community are making residents sick.
Government blood tests support their claim showing residents with three times the normal levels of dioxins in their blood. Dioxins are carcinogens, frequently called the most toxic substance known.
Health surveys in the town show many residents dying young from cancer. They also show widespread respiratory problems in addition to other ailments.
Both the Department of Environmental Quality and the local industry association say studies have shown the plants do not cause health problems for local residents.
The EPA agreed in January to test whether Mossville qualifies as a federal Superfund site. The results are expected by early August. In another victory for the town, an international human rights commission agreed to rule on a case brought by Mossville against the U.S. government. It should rule by the end of the year.
Environmental activists in Mossville, Louisiana tried for decades to convince state and federal governments that they live in a toxic town. They claim the 14 chemical plants surrounding the African-American community are making residents sick.
Government blood tests support their claim showing residents with three times the normal levels of dioxins in their blood. Dioxins are carcinogens, frequently called the most toxic substance known.
Health surveys in the town show many residents dying young from cancer. They also show widespread respiratory problems in addition to other ailments.
Both the Department of Environmental Quality and the local industry association say studies have shown the plants do not cause health problems for local residents.
The EPA agreed in January to test whether Mossville qualifies as a federal Superfund site. The results are expected by early August. In another victory for the town, an international human rights commission agreed to rule on a case brought by Mossville against the U.S. government. It should rule by the end of the year.
