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Trash incinerators are disproportionately harmful to Black and Hispanic people

The article from WLRN discusses a study revealing that trash incinerators in the U.S. disproportionately impact Black and Hispanic communities. These facilities, which burn garbage to produce energy, emit pollutants like dioxins, mercury, and lead, contributing to health issues such as respiratory problems, cancer, and developmental issues in children. The study, published in the journal Environmental Science & Technology, found that these incinerators are often located in or near neighborhoods with higher proportions of Black and Hispanic residents, exacerbating environmental injustice. The research highlights that these communities face higher exposure to pollutants due to historical zoning practices, economic factors, and lack of political power to oppose such facilities. The article also notes efforts by environmental justice groups to address these disparities through advocacy, policy changes, and community education.

Read the Full WLRN Article at:
[ https://www.wlrn.org/health/2024-12-24/trash-incinerators-are-disproportionately-harmful-to-black-and-hispanic-people ]