Environmental Justice Groups Tell Congress: Protect Us from Toxic Chemicals

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Apr 08, 2010, 09:00 ET

Communities of color most at risk for health effects linked to chemical exposure

WASHINGTON, April 8 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Letters went to the Senate and the House today demanding stronger protections for disproportionately impacted communities of color, Indigenous communities and low-income communities in the upcoming reform of U.S. laws governing toxic chemicals – the Toxic Substance Control Act of 1976 (TSCA).

“From asbestos in our schools to toxic toys on the shelves of the 99 cents stores, to harmful chemicals in the fish we eat, the health of residents in communities of color and low income communities are disproportionately impacted by toxics as a result of our flawed chemical policy for current and legacy chemicals,” says Cecil Corbin-Mark of WE ACT for Environmental Justice, a letter signatory, “We demand immediate action by government to stop exposure to toxic chemicals in our neighborhoods that lead to the worst health outcomes in asthma, low birth weight and cancers as a result of chemical pollution released into our communities.”

"Illnesses such as diabetes, heart disease, and cancer have contributed to large health disparities in environmental justice communities as the amounts of poorly regulated chemicals linked to these illnesses have increased," according to Mark Mitchell, MD, from Connecticut Coalition for Environmental Justice. "This exposure is impacting multiple generations of people, hurting children and the elderly the most."

"While some lobbying firms and front groups for the chemical industry are targeting communities of color to tell them that chemical reform will hurt them, we know the opposite is true," says Jose Bravo of the Just Transition Alliance. "In addition to chemical trespass from the pollution, now we have to battle industry front groups trying to deceive our communities in order to continue their exploitation of workers and other vulnerable populations."

Monique Harden, Esq. from Advocates for Environmental Human Rights adds: "Historically, manufacturers built polluting plants in traditional African American and other communities of color, particularly in Louisiana and Texas. 14 toxic industrial facilities surround Mossville, which has been devastated by cancer and other illnesses, yet the nation's laws have failed to protect this community and hundreds like it."

Senator Frank Lautenberg and Representative Bobby Rush are expected to introduce legislation for TSCA reform shortly. Environmental Health Advocates across the spectrum are demanding a focus on under served communities most harmed by chemical exposure.

For more info: www.louisvillecharter.org

SOURCE Environmental Health Fund