Welcome
Introduction:
What role does plastic and air pollution have on public health?
The majority of the things we own and use are plastic. From, the pens we utilize, to the glasses we wear, to the food containers we use. If we look around us, plastic makes up the majority of things. However, this is concerning because we are drowning in plastic. In addition, with plastic production increasing, its contributing to air pollution exposure ultimately affecting public health. When plastic gets burned, it releases harmful gases into the air causing air pollution to form. As a result, it can lead to different health concerns such as cancer, hormonal disorders and respiratory illness. So, the role plastic and air pollution has on public health is that it releases toxic chemicals into the air causing direct and indirect harm to our health. Therefore, addressing air pollution, the production of plastic from petrochemical companies, and identifying health concerns associated with air pollution is important. This will help to learn about ongoing health issues, limit plastic use/creation and create change within the environment and community.
For our webcase we are focusing Cancer Alley and Saint James Parish. Additionally, the topics we are covering are plastic, air pollution, and public health. St. James Parish is a community in Louisiana, that has faced many changes from exposure to air pollution to changing landscape and public health concerns. In Saint James Parish, many petrochemical companies are being built which is posing a threat to this community. The build-up of petrochemical companies is releasing harmful toxins and fossil fuels into the air, making it challenging to live in this type environment. This is due, to companies producing large amount of plastics. In addition, it is also affecting plant-life and plantations when it comes to harvesting crops. Due to this, Cancer Alley, an organization formed by Sharon Lavigne, was created to fight against Formosa Plastics and prevent future petrochemical companies from being built.
The area of focus for our webcase, is to raise awareness on going air pollution issues caused by petrochemical industries and the harm it poses for the St. James community. In addition, another area we are focusing on are the health effects that occur due to exposure to air pollution in Louisiana and within our community. If no changes or health initiatives are implemented regarding petrochemical companies and exposure to air pollution, no health improvement will be made. Furthermore, public health is essential to protect and promote the well-being of people and the community.
