A recent review highlights the harmful impact of petrochemicals on health, with evidence pointing to an increase in chronic diseases.
Liza Gross reports for Inside Climate News.
In short:
- Petrochemical production has surged since the 1950s, correlating with a rise in chronic and deadly diseases.
- The review calls for reduced reliance on fossil fuels, not only for environmental reasons but also to improve health outcomes, particularly for vulnerable communities.
- Regulatory oversight is lacking, with many chemicals entering the market without adequate safety testing, highlighting a need for systemic change.
Key quote:
"You can feel the effects of climate change, and know they're connected to fossil fuels. But the idea that fossil fuels are also connected to these chemicals we're exposed to, and are impacting our health, I thought, wow, there's a really important link here."
— Tracey Woodruff, director of the program on reproductive health and the environment at the University of California, San Francisco
Why this matters:
Petrochemical facilities emit a variety of pollutants, including volatile organic compounds (VOCs), sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter, which can contribute to respiratory problems, cardiovascular disease, and cancer among nearby populations. Communities living in close proximity to these plants often report higher rates of these health issues compared to those living farther away.
Studies show that the nearly 69,800 residents of Texas towns Cloverleaf and Channelview — more than a third of them children under 18 — are breathing some of the dirtiest air in the country.
