Cancer Alley: Unmasking the Hidden Impact of Environmental Racism

Cancer Alley, also known as “Death Alley” is an 85-mile stretch of land along the Mississippi River between Baton Rouge and New Orleans. It has become synonymous with a high number of petrochemical reserves and chemical factories as chemical plants line the suburbs of Cancer Alley, having one petrochemical plant for every 656 residents.

These establishments have been linked to the prevalence of chronic illnesses leading to a range of health problems and decreased quality of life. In fact, the area has the highest rate of air pollution caused by cancer in the United States, nearly 50 times the average American. There is also increased exposure to air pollution which can lead to chronic illnesses and respiratory ailments such as asthma. Most individuals who inhabit this region are people of color and low-income earners, and as such, are more susceptible to the adverse effects of environmental hazards in Cancer Alley. This phenomenon results from systemic racism, referred to as environmental racism. Environmental racism is the disproportionate impact of environmental hazards on people of color and is often a product of inequalities such as racial disparities in healthcare, housing, and education.

People residing in Cancer Alley, which is also referred to as a “fenceline community,” are mainly impoverished African Americans. Due to the socioeconomic situation of those living in Cancer Alley, many are unable to relocate to more hospitable areas. As the area is also characterized by a lack of access to basic healthcare services, this exacerbates the likelihood of the population experiencing the harmful effects of environmental pollution. Inside Cancer Alley’s St. John the Baptist Parish underlies the highest death rate per capita of any county in the United States.

The issue of environmental racism isn’t just prevalent in Cancer Alley. African American communities in New York City, such as in Harlem and the South Bronx, face multiple power plants, sewage treatment plants, and emissions of tens of thousands of diesel trucks. The planned and deliberate targeting of these marginalized communities, through infrastructure such as toxic waste facilities and roadways, leads to intentional environmental racial discrimination.

To tackle the problem of environmental racism in Cancer Alley and regions nationwide, it is necessary to establish regulations that prioritize the well-being of marginalized communities, improve access to affordable healthcare services, and enforce environmental regulations that make industries accountable for their impact on local communities. Recently, on March 21, 2023, residents filed a federal lawsuit against the government asserting that the petrochemical plants in Cancer Alley constitute “environmental racism” and need to be stopped. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) also stepped in, claiming that the chemical plants violated the Clean Air Act.

A collaborative effort involving policymakers, environmental leaders, and affected communities is necessary to tackle the tragic environmental racism in Cancer Alley. It is essential to prioritize the health and well-being of all individuals, regardless of their race or socioeconomic status, and work towards creating a more equitable society.

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Works Cited

James, Wesley, et al. “Uneven Magnitude of Disparities in Cancer Risks from Air Toxics.” International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 3 Dec. 2012, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3546767/.

Jephcote, Calvin, et al. “A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Haematological Malignancies in Residents Living near Petrochemical Facilities.” Environmental Health, vol. 19, no. 1, 2020, https://doi.org/10.1186/s12940-020-00582-1.

Laughland, Oliver. “Residents of Louisiana's 'Cancer Alley' Announce Lawsuit against Local Officials.” The Guardian, Guardian News and Media, 21 Mar. 2023, https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/mar/21/louisiana-st-james-parish-cancer-alley-lawsuit.