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<p><b>New page</b></p><div>{{short description|Region in Louisiana with high industrial pollution}}<br />
{{Use American English|date=October 2023}}<br />
{{Use mdy dates|date=October 2023}}<br />
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[[File:Cancer_Alley_Louisiana.png|thumb|right|Map of Cancer Alley in Louisiana]]<br />
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'''Cancer Alley''' is a region in the [[U.S. state]] of [[Louisiana]] that is known for its high concentration of [[petrochemical]] plants and the associated [[environmental pollution]]. This area stretches along the [[Mississippi River]] from [[Baton Rouge, Louisiana|Baton Rouge]] to [[New Orleans]]. It has gained notoriety due to the elevated rates of [[cancer]] and other health issues reported among its residents, which many attribute to the industrial emissions from the numerous facilities in the area.<br />
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==Geography==<br />
Cancer Alley is located in the southern part of Louisiana, following the Mississippi River. The region is approximately 85 miles long and includes several parishes, such as [[St. James Parish, Louisiana|St. James]], [[St. John the Baptist Parish, Louisiana|St. John the Baptist]], and [[Ascension Parish, Louisiana|Ascension]]. The proximity to the river has historically made this area attractive for industrial development due to the ease of transporting raw materials and finished products.<br />
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==History==<br />
The industrialization of Cancer Alley began in the early 20th century, with the establishment of [[oil refineries]] and chemical plants. Over the decades, the number of facilities increased, leading to significant economic growth but also environmental degradation. The term "Cancer Alley" was coined in the 1980s as awareness of the health impacts of pollution grew.<br />
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==Health and Environmental Impact==<br />
[[File:EPA_Air_Toxics_Screening_Assessment_2019ː_Estimated_Cancer_Risk,_Baton_Rouge–New_Orleans_Region.png|thumb|left|Estimated cancer risk in the Baton Rouge–New Orleans region]]<br />
The region is home to over 150 industrial plants, including some of the largest [[petrochemical]] facilities in the United States. These plants emit a variety of [[toxic chemicals]], including [[benzene]], [[formaldehyde]], and [[ethylene oxide]], which are known [[carcinogens]]. Studies have shown that residents of Cancer Alley have higher rates of cancer compared to the national average, leading to concerns about the long-term health effects of living in such a polluted environment.<br />
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==Community and Activism==<br />
Local communities, many of which are predominantly [[African American]] and economically disadvantaged, have been vocal about the environmental injustices they face. Activists and organizations have been working to raise awareness and push for stricter regulations on industrial emissions. Efforts have also been made to hold companies accountable for their environmental impact and to seek reparations for affected communities.<br />
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==Economic Significance==<br />
Despite the health concerns, the petrochemical industry is a major economic driver in Louisiana, providing jobs and contributing to the state's economy. This has created a complex dynamic where economic benefits are weighed against environmental and health costs.<br />
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==Future Outlook==<br />
The future of Cancer Alley is uncertain, as debates continue over the balance between industrial development and environmental protection. There is ongoing pressure from environmental groups and some policymakers to transition to cleaner technologies and to implement more stringent environmental regulations.<br />
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==Related pages==<br />
* [[Environmental racism]]<br />
* [[Petrochemical industry]]<br />
* [[Mississippi River]]<br />
* [[Louisiana]]<br />
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[[File:A_MOUNTAIN_OF_DAMAGED_OIL_DRUMS_NEAR_THE_EXXON_REFINERY_-_NARA_-_546000_(cropped).jpg|thumb|right|Damaged oil drums near an Exxon refinery]]<br />
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[[Category:Environmental issues in Louisiana]]<br />
[[Category:Regions of Louisiana]]<br />
[[Category:Petrochemical industry]]</div>Prab