Legot, C., London, B., Rosofsky, A., & Shandra, J. (2012).

Proximity to industrial toxins and

childhood respiratory, developmental, and neurological diseases: environmental

ascription in East Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana. Population and Environment, 33(4),

333-346. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11111-011-0147-z

Legot and colleagues examined the intersectionality of race, socioeconomic status, and

the environmental disparity people face in the East Baton Rouge Parish of “Cancer Alley''

of Louisiana. High-volume polluters, such as industrial plants, expel neurotoxins and

chemicals that contaminate areas of low-income and minority-filled populations due to

proximity. This study focused on health data of children in different zip codes and

chemical emission reports. Examined emissions reports and children’s health data found

higher rates of asthma and diseases in children closer to these industrial plants. The

authors are professors with knowledge in sociology or environmental science that argue

for awareness but pose limitations to encourage further studying. Nevertheless, their

intended audience could be lobbyists or scientists to advocate policy-makers to impose

increased regulation and conservation efforts to combat actions that degrade the Earth

and people’s lives. Johnston et al. discusses similar circumstances that create a

biohazardous environment and its implications. (Michaelangelo Marcellana)