Helena Joyce
Gary, Indiana, is a predominantly Black city in the United States that has been described as a dumping ground for industrial facilities. The city has a long history of industrial pollution, particularly from steel mills and paper mills, which have contaminated the air, soil, and water. Gary is among the top five hotspots for fine particle air pollution in the US, with PM2.5 concentrations exceeding the World Health Organization's annual guideline value. The city's industrial past has left a legacy of pollution, and residents are now seeking a brighter, cleaner future through advocacy and legal action.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| City | Gary, Indiana |
| Population | 68,000 |
| Pollution Sources | Steel mills, coal plants, industrial facilities, paper mills, waste processing plants |
| Pollutants | PM2.5, NO2, SO2, CO, O3, heavy metals (lead, chromium), cancer-causing chemicals |
| Pollution Levels | 1.1 times the WHO guideline for PM2.5 |
| Air Quality Index | 45 |
| PM2.5 AQI | 43 |
| PM10 AQI | 13 |
| NO2 AQI | 4 |
| SO2 AQI | 1 |
| O3 AQI | 45 |
| Environmental Concerns | Environmental racism, pollution of air, soil, and water, chemical burns from polluted groundwater |
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What You'll Learn
Gary, Indiana: a history of industrial pollution
Indiana has a long history of industrial pollution, with coal being one of its natural resources and a major source of wealth. Coal production in the state began in the 1830s, and after World War I, it exceeded 30 million tons. The burning of coal releases smoke, soot, and toxic pollutants, which have been shown to have detrimental effects on human health. By the 1960s and 1970s, the harmful effects of air pollution were becoming evident, with smog-related deaths and illnesses reported in several US cities.
Gary, Indiana, in particular, has faced significant industrial pollution issues. An investigation of road sediment in Gary revealed high levels of trace metals such as zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn), and chromium (Cr). These metals are often associated with industrial activities. Additionally, particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) containing harmful elements such as manganese and lead (Pb) has been detected in Gary's air, posing health risks through inhalation or ingestion. These particles may also worsen respiratory diseases such as asthma.
The sources of these pollutants in Gary can be attributed to specific industrial facilities. For instance, manganese and vanadium (V) concentrations show a decreasing trend away from a US Steel facility, indicating that steel manufacturing contributes significantly to the city's air pollution. Chromium and iron (Fe) levels also suggest some pollution originating from the same steel plant.
Furthermore, emissions from the LakeShore Coal Company facility in Gary have been identified. These emissions include PM2.5 and other industrial pollutants that exceed the World Health Organization's annual guideline values. The presence of these pollutants in the air can have detrimental effects on the health of Gary's residents, and it is advised that individuals protect themselves by following health recommendations and staying informed about air quality levels.
While Indiana as a whole has made efforts to abate smoke pollution, such as by burning cleaner types of coal or installing smoke-reducing devices, the state continues to grapple with the economic importance of its natural resources and the need for cleaner air. This balance between economic prosperity and environmental health is a complex issue that has impacted not only Indiana but also other states and countries with industrial histories.
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Air pollution's impact on health
Air pollution is a serious health threat that can trigger asthma attacks, harm lung development in children, and even be deadly. Fine particulate matter, such as PM2.5, is an important source of health risks as it can penetrate deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream, travelling to organs and causing damage to tissues and cells. This can lead to reduced lung function, respiratory infections, and aggravated asthma from short-term exposure. Long-term exposure increases the risk of non-communicable diseases such as stroke, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and cancer.
The main pathway of exposure to air pollution is through the respiratory tract. Pollutants such as dust, fumes, gas, mist, odour, smoke, and vapour can be inhaled and lead to inflammation, oxidative stress, immunosuppression, and mutagenicity in cells throughout the body. Almost every organ in the body can be impacted by air pollution.
Other health effects of air pollution include cardiovascular disease, respiratory diseases, diabetes mellitus, obesity, and reproductive, neurological, and immune system disorders. Children are especially vulnerable to the health risks of air pollution, with urban children from low-income backgrounds experiencing higher rates of asthma. Maternal exposure to air pollution has also been associated with adverse birth outcomes, such as low birth weight, pre-term birth, and small gestational age births.
In addition to the health risks, air pollution can also have economic impacts on individuals and communities. Residents in polluted areas may experience higher medical costs and missed workdays due to health issues caused by air pollution. Environmental racism has also played a role in exposing communities of colour, particularly low-income and working-class, to higher levels of air pollution.
To protect oneself from the health impacts of air pollution, individuals can check the air quality forecast in their community and avoid outdoor activities when unhealthy air is expected. On a broader level, transitioning to cleaner fuels and industrial processes, such as renewable energy sources and maximising fuel efficiency, can help reduce air pollution and its associated health risks.
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The Clean Air Act and EPA's role in pollution reduction
The Clean Air Act (CAA) is a comprehensive federal law that regulates air emissions from stationary and mobile sources. The Act was designed to combat a variety of air pollution problems and address emerging pollution threats. It calls for collaboration between state, local, tribal, and federal governments to improve air quality.
Under the Clean Air Act, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) plays a crucial role in pollution reduction. The EPA is responsible for establishing National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) to safeguard public health and welfare and regulate hazardous air pollutant emissions. The Act empowers the EPA to provide flexibility to industries in controlling emissions while holding them accountable for achieving reductions.
The Clean Air Act has led to significant reductions in air pollution. Since 1990, there has been an approximate 50% decline in emissions of key air pollutants. EPA partnership programs have effectively reduced conventional air pollution, improved energy efficiency, and reduced oil imports. The Act has also prompted the deployment of clean technologies and innovations, such as state-of-the-art emission control technologies in new cars, trucks, and non-road engines.
The EPA's role extends beyond regulatory measures. They monitor air pollution, develop rules to address it, and ensure enforcement. Section 112 of the Clean Air Act requires the EPA to establish Maximum Achievable Control Technology (MACT) standards for major sources of hazardous air pollutants. The EPA is also responsible for periodically reviewing and revising these standards to address any residual risks.
The Clean Air Act has proven to be a powerful tool in protecting public health and the environment. Pollution reductions attributed to the Act have prevented premature deaths, reduced environmental damage, and improved air quality across the nation. The EPA's efforts under the Clean Air Act continue to drive pollution reduction and safeguard the health and well-being of communities.
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Environmental justice and racial disparities in pollution
Environmental justice is a social justice movement that aims to address the flawed environmental policies that have historically harmed low-income communities and communities of colour. The movement advocates for sustainable, cooperative, and equitable environmental policies and development. Environmental racism, a term coined by civil rights leader Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr., refers to the intentional siting of polluting industries and waste facilities in communities primarily populated by racial minorities, low-income workers, and people of colour.
Communities of colour are disproportionately affected by environmental hazards and are more likely to live in heavily polluted areas. A PNAS study found that Black and Latinx people are exposed to over 50% more pollution than they produce, while non-Latinx White people are exposed to 17% less pollution than they produce. This disparity has serious health consequences, with people of colour being more likely to die from environmental causes. For example, studies have shown a link between higher levels of outdoor air pollution and increased cancer and non-cancer respiratory risks for all racial and ethnic groups.
The historical institution of slavery in the United States has contributed to the perpetuation of environmental racism, with enslaved Africans being considered "disposable" and sent to work in dangerous conditions. Additionally, discriminatory practices such as redlining, where neighbourhoods with majority Black or minority residents were rated lower, have resulted in decreased tree canopy coverage and increased outdoor air pollution in these areas.
Despite the Clean Air Act's success in improving air quality over the past 50 years, recent policy changes and funding cuts have endangered this progress. For instance, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was sued in 2020 for its non-enforcement policy that allowed polluters to stop monitoring and reporting their activities. This has had a disproportionate impact on low-income communities and communities of colour.
To address these racial disparities in pollution, various organizations are taking initiatives. The NAACP's Environmental and Climate Justice Program aims to tackle harmful practices that exacerbate climate change and environmental injustice. Similarly, the Ironbound Community Corporation in Newark, New Jersey, has successfully passed an Environmental Justice Ordinance and an Affordable Housing Ordinance to support healthy community development and equitable practices.
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Real-time air quality monitoring and protection
Real-time air quality monitoring is essential for protecting public health and ensuring a safe environment for communities. By providing up-to-date data on air pollution levels, individuals can make informed decisions to safeguard their well-being, especially for those with respiratory conditions like asthma. Climate change exacerbates the formation of ozone pollution and increases the frequency of wildfires, which release harmful particle pollution. Therefore, timely and accurate monitoring is crucial.
Aeroqual, for instance, offers integrated sensors and software for real-time air quality measurement. Their systems can be employed for indoor air quality testing, safeguarding employees' health and productivity by monitoring wildfire smoke and ozone levels. Real-time monitoring empowers individuals and organizations to take proactive measures, such as avoiding outdoor activities during periods of poor air quality.
The Air Quality Index (AQI) is a commonly used metric that considers various pollutants, including particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), ozone (O3), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and carbon monoxide (CO). The AQI values are based on hourly readings, providing a dynamic assessment of air quality. For instance, the Gary-IITRI area in Indiana, USA, has an overall AQI of 45, with varying values for specific pollutants.
To facilitate access to real-time air quality data, several tools and plugins are available for web browsers and mobile devices. These include the AirNow mobile app, which provides alerts and information on wildfire smoke impacts, and the Gary-IITRI, Indiana Air Quality plugin for Chrome and Firefox browsers. By utilizing these resources, individuals can actively monitor the air quality in their specific locations and take necessary precautions to protect their health.
Real-time air quality monitoring is a critical tool in the fight against air pollution. It empowers individuals, communities, and policymakers with the information needed to make informed decisions and drive changes for cleaner air. By staying informed and proactive, we can collectively mitigate the health risks associated with air pollution and strive for a healthier environment for all.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Gary, Indiana is considered one of the most polluted cities in the US, ranking in the top five for fine particle air pollution.
Gary's pollution is largely attributed to its history as a steel industry hub, with four of the country's highest-polluting steel mills located nearby.
Air pollution can have serious health impacts, including triggering asthma attacks and harming lung development in children. The pollution in Gary has also been linked to chemical burns and environmental justice issues.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has proposed new rules to reduce toxic emissions from steel mills, but local advocates argue that these measures may not be sufficient to protect the community. Residents have also taken action by filing civil rights complaints against the state.
Individuals in Gary can protect themselves by checking air quality forecasts and avoiding outdoor activities when unhealthy air quality is expected. It is also recommended to follow health guidelines and consider using air quality monitors to contribute data.
