CNN Investigates a 'Toxic America'
Residents of Mossville, La. speak out in debut of a new CNN investigation
This page was published 13 years ago. Find the latest on Earthjustice’s work.
Breathing isn’t a choice. Everyone does it, no matter where they live. But for many Americans, where they live has a tremendous impact on the quality of the air they breathe.
Take a look at Mossville, Louisiana for instance, which is home to 14 chemical plants. The town’s residents are plagued by severe health problems like cancer and kidney disease attributed to pollution from these local facilities.
Tonight at 8 PM ET/PT, CNN will profile the toxic plight of Mossville and its residents in "Toxic Towns USA," which is part of a two-night special investigation called "Toxic America" that culminates a "year-long, stunning look into toxic chemicals, health and the environment," according to the network. The investigation will continue tomorrow night with "Toxic Childhood" at 8PM ET/PT.
In 2009, the EPA agreed to start regulating toxic emissions from PVC plants (Mossville has one) thanks to a lawsuit in which Earthjustice represented Sierra Club and two community groups in Louisiana: Mossville Environmental Action Now (MEAN) and Louisiana Environmental Action Network (LEAN).
Take a look at the powerful preview video below and make sure to tune in to this important special. We’ll have more after it airs.
Sam Edmondson was a campaign manager on air toxics issues from 2010 until 2012. He helped organize the first 50 States United for Healthy Air event. His desire to work at an environmental organization came from the belief that if we don't do something to change our unsustainable ways, we are in big trouble.
