The Goodyear chemical plant in Niagara Falls has been releasing dangerous amounts of bladder cancer-causing chemicals into the air for over a decade, and despite a violation notice, New York regulators have not required the company to fix the problem.
In short:
- Goodyear’s Niagara Falls plant emits ortho-toluidine, a carcinogen, at levels 1,000% above safe limits.
- New York’s Department of Environmental Conservation cited the plant in 2023, but no corrective actions have been enforced.
- Bladder cancer rates in Niagara County are among the highest in the nation, with residents near the plant likely exposed to dangerous emissions.
Key quote:
“People of low wealth are dispensable. It’s just not right.”
— Lois Gibbs, former Love Canal resident.
Why this matters:
Continued exposure to cancer-causing chemicals raises significant public health concerns, particularly for vulnerable populations. The failure to take prompt action could lead to preventable illness and community costs.
