A Troubling Legacy: What Is ‘Cancer Alley’?
‘Cancer Alley’ refers to an 85-mile stretch along the Mississippi River between Baton Rouge and New Orleans in Louisiana. This region earned its haunting nickname because of its unusually high concentration of petrochemical plants and refineries, estimated at over 150 industrial facilities. Residents have long complained about the alarming rates of cancer and other health issues in their communities, with some parishes reportedly having cancer rates more than 50 times the national average. According to a 2023 Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) report, St. John the Baptist Parish — at the heart of Cancer Alley — remains one of the most toxic places to live in the United States. People living here often describe how chemical odors fill the air daily. The problem is not just historical; new facilities are still being proposed, raising ongoing fears about worsening pollution and health risks.
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