Pollutants disproportionately impact many of the United States' marginalized communities. The life story and advocacy efforts of Robert Taylor reinforce this fact. Currently, he is attempting to find the most productive outlet for his environmental commitments.
What happened?
As the Guardian detailed, Taylor lives in "Cancer Alley" in Reserve, Louisiana. The community is known by that name because of its proximity to a Denka plant that produces neoprene. It is the only place in the U.S. where the carcinogen chloroprene is present in the air.
Chloroprene's density in Reserve exceeds the Environmental Protection Agency's recommended lifetime exposure limit by 14 times. Taylor asserts that the contaminant is what caused the illnesses leading to his wife's unfortunate death.
His beliefs are as strong as ever, though he cites President Donald Trump's administration for the region's climate regression.
"The federal [government] was my only option," Taylor told the Guardian. "And now it's not."
Why is Taylor's story important?
His activism and narrative reveal the individual and societal implications of ignoring climate action. The chloroprene was the reason a local elementary school decided to close, and it's also why Taylor and his wife lived in separate states for many years during her treatment.
Progress toward clean air will slow, and public health crises will worsen without citizens holding Denka and politicians accountable.
Contaminant exposure is linked to more ailments than cancer, including skin conditions and dementia, among others. The spread will hurt wildlife, as well, making it harder for everything to survive in nearby habitats.
The story of Reserve also highlights how governments dismiss the importance of protecting Black, low-income communities. Taylor described it as a "sacrifice zone," asserting how much environmental racism and injustice continue to plague the region.
Other widespread air pollutants, such as radon, also demand international attention. The EPA states that it leads to 20,000 U.S. deaths annually from indoor air alone. Taylor's experience urges people to learn more about these issues.
TCD Picks » Upway Spotlight
💡Upway makes it easy to find discounts of up to 60% on premium e-bike brands
|
Do you worry about air pollution in and around your home? Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. |
Yes — always 💯 What's being done about Reserve's air pollution?
Communities across the U.S. can raise awareness of these concerns by staying informed about air policy and pollutants. Something as simple as installing an air quality monitor in the home can improve understanding of the subject. Additionally, it's important to stay informed about new legislative moves, such as regulations on oil refinery air pollutants.
Representatives from organizations like Earthjustice are fighting at the local, state, and national scales. They are combating the legal moves made by the Denka chemical plant and politicians with interests in these corporations.
Volunteering time to work alongside these groups and speaking to representatives are some of the best ways to fight against climate inaction. It's also crucial to maintain momentum, just like Taylor is doing. The planet will heal so long as people continue fighting for it.
Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Cool Picks
