Birmingham
Vast majority of air polluters located in low-income neighborhoods, report shows
New study shows that 71 percent of Jefferson County’s major air polluters are located in poorer communities.
ABC Coke photo courtesy of Drummond Coal Company’s website.
A new BirminghamWatch report shows that 71 percent of the major pollution sources in Jefferson County are located in areas where the average income is blow the median for the country.
Environmental justice and the health issues that stem from pollution have been cited as a major priority for Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin’s administration. A recent trial focusing on pollution in north Birmingham — and the bribery efforts employed by Drummond Coal Co. to fight cleanup efforts — has also raised awareness of the issue.
“Industry is important to our community but can also contribute to pollution.” UAB lung researcher and physician Veena Anthony told BirminghamWatch. “We still have times with a combination of excess heat, ozone, and particulate pollution that can be very detrimental to the health of our community, particularly for sensitive, vulnerable populations.”
Read the full report at BirminghamWatch.
