Jo Franco's health improved dramatically after moving away from the polluted Wilmington area, where she had spent her childhood struggling to breathe and later faced severe health issues.
Pablo Unzueta reports for The Atlantic.
In short:
- Wilmington, Los Angeles, is heavily industrialized with refineries and high levels of pollution.
- Residents, including Jo Franco, suffer from cancer and respiratory issues due to the polluted environment.
- Efforts to regulate air quality in California have not fully mitigated the impact on these communities.
Key quote:
“It’s one thing to hear people are dying of cancer. But when the people are real, it goes to a whole different level.”
— Jo Franco, cancer survivor who grew up in Wilmington, California, next to a refinery
Why this matters:
Wilmington is a stark example of the environmental and health inequities faced by many industrial communities. Despite California's stringent air quality regulations, the impact on these communities remains profound. For people like Franco, the battle for cleaner air is personal and ongoing. As state officials continue to grapple with balancing economic growth and public health, the voices from Wilmington highlight a pressing need for more effective solutions.
