Thick smoke and ash from sugarcane field burns in south Florida expose predominantly Black and low-income residents to dangerous air pollution, while state regulations shield wealthier coastal areas from its effects.
Amy Green reports for Inside Climate News.
In short:
- Sugarcane fields in Florida’s Everglades Agricultural Area are burned before harvest, releasing PM2.5 pollution, benzene, and formaldehyde, which are linked to respiratory illnesses and cancer.
- A study found that the mortality rate from pollution in the region is ten times higher than in nearby coastal cities, yet air quality monitors fail to capture short-term pollution spikes from burns.
- A 2019 class-action lawsuit against sugar companies was dropped after state lawmakers passed protections for the industry, limiting legal challenges over air pollution.
Key quote:
“Our families need the jobs of the sugar industry. But we don’t believe we have to die in order for you to be here. We shouldn’t have to suffer physically, emotionally, financially.”
— Kina Phillips, longtime South Bay resident
Why this matters:
Burning sugarcane fields produces fine particulate pollution that can cause lung disease, heart problems, and premature death. Unlike wildfires, which are unpredictable, these burns are permitted and regulated, yet disproportionately harm communities of color. While regulators permit the practice, critics argue that the industry’s political influence has repeatedly stalled reforms that could limit residents' exposure to harmful pollutants.
Other major sugar-producing countries, including Brazil and Australia, have largely moved away from burning in favor of cleaner, mechanical harvesting methods. This raises an uncomfortable question: Why does Florida still rely on a practice that other nations have phased out? For now, residents say they are left with little recourse, breathing in the consequences of an industry that continues to thrive at their expense.
Learn more: 'Safe' levels? Small amounts of air pollution linked to more death for senior citizens: Study
