Helena Joyce
Lake Charles, Louisiana has a history of pollution, with photographer Marc St. Gil documenting the polluted lake in the 1970s. The lake has dangerously high levels of mercury, and the tap water contains high levels of bromoform and dibromochloromethane, which can cause liver and kidney damage. The city of Lake Charles claims that its water supply is safe and meets or exceeds established water quality standards. However, third-party testing has found that the water exceeds health guidelines for drinking water contaminants. The area has also faced issues with toxic air pollution, and residents of nearby Mossville have struggled with the impacts of pollution on their health, with some even giving up and moving away.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Air Pollution | PM2.5 concentration is 3 times the World Health Organization's annual guideline value |
| Water Pollution | Bromodichloromethane, a type of TTHM, exceeds health guidelines |
| Bromoform, a byproduct of chlorine treatment, may cause liver and kidney damage | |
| No testing available for Perfluorinated PFAS (Forever Chemicals), which may cause birth defects and cancer | |
| No specific instances of Lead Service lines found in the municipality | |
| Mercury Pollution | High levels of mercury documented by photographer Marc St. Gil in the 1970s |
| Cancer Concerns | Toxins in the environment linked to cancer cases in Westlake and Mossville |
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What You'll Learn
Lake Charles' air pollution
Lake Charles, Louisiana, has a history of pollution, with the town of Mossville, which is legally part of Westlake, being particularly affected. In the 1970s, photographer Marc St. Gil documented the pollution of Lake Charles for the EPA's Documerica Project. His photographs showed the dangerously high levels of mercury in the lake, with one image depicting the Olin-Mathieson Plant in the background.
The arrival of the petrochemical industry to Westlake post-World War II marked a significant transformation for the area. Mossville, a small, tight-knit community that grew its food and sourced water from local lakes and ponds, soon became enveloped by the pollution emanating from the neighbouring industrial zone.
The health consequences for Mossville's residents have been severe. The town's proximity to the petrochemical plants has resulted in a cluster of cancer cases, with toxins in the water and air likely playing a significant role. Despite this, local hospitals and health systems have been reluctant to acknowledge the link between pollution and cancer, with one spokesperson stating, "We don't want to get involved in the topic because it's something controversial."
Third-party testing of Lake Charles' tap water has revealed the presence of bromodichloromethane, a byproduct of chlorine treatment. While this may not pose a high risk of harm to unborn babies, long-term intake has been linked to liver and kidney cancer in animal studies. Additionally, the tap water may contain Perfluorinated PFAS (forever chemicals), which are dangerous man-made toxins that can cause birth defects and cancer.
Lake Charles' air quality also appears to be a cause for concern, with PM2.5 concentrations currently three times the World Health Organization's annual guideline value.
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Mercury levels in Lake Charles
Mercury is a naturally occurring element in the environment, and as such, small amounts of mercury can be found in the sediments of streams, lakes, rivers, and oceans. In the 1970s, photographer Marc St. Gil documented the dangerously high levels of mercury in Lake Charles, Louisiana, for the EPA's Documerica Project.
The Louisiana Department of Health has issued mercury and fish consumption advisories for six waterways in the state, including the Calcasieu River, which flows into Lake Charles. These advisories are issued when mercury levels in fish or shellfish are detected to be unacceptably high. The advisories include specific recommendations for women of childbearing age and children under seven, who are more susceptible to the toxic effects of mercury. For certain fish species, the LDH recommends that these vulnerable groups consume no more than one meal per month, while for other species, no consumption is advised.
The presence of mercury in Lake Charles is a concern due to its potential impact on human health. Mercury can accumulate in fish, with larger predator fish containing higher levels than smaller fish. As a result, consuming contaminated fish is one way that people can be exposed to harmful levels of mercury, which can lead to nervous system and kidney damage.
While the specific data for mercury levels in Lake Charles was not readily available, the historical documentation and ongoing consumption advisories indicate that mercury pollution has been a significant issue in the area. The advisories and guidelines issued by the Louisiana Department of Health aim to mitigate the potential health risks associated with mercury exposure through fish consumption.
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Toxins in tap water
Lake Charles, Louisiana, has a history of pollution, as documented by photographer Marc St. Gil in the 1970s. Today, the city's tap water is supplied by wells drilled in the Chicot Aquifer, providing a clean and sufficient water supply. However, concerns have been raised about toxins in the tap water.
Third-party independent testing has found that Lake Charles' tap water exceeds health guidelines for drinking water contaminants. One of the main concerns is the presence of bromodichloromethane, a disinfection byproduct that forms when chlorine or other disinfectants are used to treat drinking water. Bromodichloromethane has been linked to an increased risk of cancer and potential harm during pregnancy. It is one of the total trihalomethanes (TTHMs) found in the water supply.
Another potential contaminant in Lake Charles' tap water is bromoform, which can form when chlorine reacts with naturally occurring substances like decomposing plant material. Animal studies have indicated that exposure to high doses of bromoform can lead to liver and kidney injury. Long-term intake has also been associated with liver and kidney cancer. While cancer in humans has not been definitively attributed to bromoform, it is a concern as many people are exposed to low levels through chlorinated drinking water.
In addition to these disinfection byproducts, there are other potential toxins in Lake Charles' tap water. Haloacetic acids, a group of nine substances including monochloroacetic acid, dichloroacetic acid, and trichloroacetic acid, are formed when disinfectants like chlorine are added to tap water. The health risks associated with these acids include cancer, harm to reproduction, and negative impacts on child development. While the federal government regulates these substances, the legal limits for contaminants have not been updated in almost 20 years, raising concerns about the safety of the water supply.
Furthermore, a recent study found that over 94% of water samples from the United States contained microplastics, indicating that these invisible contaminants could be present in Lake Charles' tap water as well. Perfluorinated PFAS, also known as "Forever Chemicals," are another potential concern. These dangerous, man-made toxins can cause birth defects and cancer and are estimated to be present in the drinking water of 200 million Americans. While the City of Lake Charles is committed to providing safe and compliant drinking water, the presence of these toxins highlights the importance of ongoing monitoring and the need for up-to-date contaminant regulations.
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Health impact of toxins
While the City of Lake Charles claims that its water meets or exceeds established water quality standards, there is evidence to suggest that the water supply may be contaminated with harmful toxins.
Third-party independent testing has found that the water supply exceeds health guidelines for drinking water contaminants. One such contaminant is bromodichloromethane, which is a byproduct of the disinfection process when chlorine is used to treat tap water. Bromodichloromethane has been linked to liver and kidney damage in animal studies, with long-term intake also causing cancer in these test subjects. While cancer in humans has not been definitively attributed to this chemical, it is a concern as many people are exposed to low levels of bromodichloromethane in chlorinated drinking water.
In addition to bromodichloromethane, there are also concerns about the presence of Perfluorinated PFAS (forever chemicals) in the water supply. These are dangerous man-made toxins that do not break down and instead build up in the blood and organs, potentially affecting the health of millions. PFAS has already been detected in the blood of 98% of the US population, and while there is no available testing for PFAS in Lake Charles' water supply, it is estimated that 200 million Americans are drinking water polluted with these chemicals. PFAS has been linked to a range of serious health issues, including birth defects and cancer.
Mercury is another toxin that has been found in dangerously high levels in Lake Charles. High mercury levels can have detrimental effects on human health, including damage to the brain, nervous system, and kidneys. Long-term exposure to high mercury levels can also lead to cognitive impairment and developmental problems in children.
The presence of these toxins in the water supply has potentially serious implications for the health of Lake Charles residents. However, there appears to be a lack of acknowledgement or action from local health authorities. A spokesperson for the Lake Charles Memorial Health System hospital stated that they did not want to get involved in the topic as it is controversial. This denial and lack of accountability from officials have led to residents of nearby towns giving up on fighting pollution and moving away, as they feel their health concerns are not being addressed.
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Lake Charles' water infrastructure
Lake Charles, Louisiana, has a history of environmental pollution, with concerns about the water quality of its tap water and the health of its residents.
The city of Lake Charles obtains its water supply from wells drilled in the 500-foot and 700-foot sands of the Chicot Aquifer. At present, the city operates 17 wells that provide a clean and sufficient water supply to its customers. The Water Division of the Public Works Department manages the water infrastructure, encompassing approximately 650 miles of water mains, 3,500 fire hydrants, and service to around 35,000 households and businesses.
Despite assurances from the city that the water meets or exceeds established water quality standards, there have been concerns about the presence of contaminants. Third-party independent testing found that the water supply exceeded health guidelines for drinking water contaminants, specifically Bromodichloromethane, which is a byproduct of using chlorine as a disinfectant. Additionally, there are concerns about the potential presence of Perfluorinated PFAS (forever chemicals) in the water supply. These man-made toxins are persistent and can lead to serious health issues, including birth defects and cancer.
Lake Charles has also faced issues with mercury pollution, as documented by photographer Marc St. Gil in the 1970s. Moreover, the nearby town of Mossville has struggled with the impacts of pollution from the petrochemical industry, leading to public health concerns and a decline in the town.
While the city of Lake Charles maintains that its water is safe to drink, the presence of contaminants and the potential health risks associated with them remain a concern for residents and highlight the importance of ongoing monitoring and improvement of the water infrastructure.
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Frequently asked questions
Lake Charles in Louisiana has a history of pollution. In the 1970s, photographer Marc St. Gil documented the dangerously high levels of mercury in the lake. More recently, in 2015, it was reported that pollution had killed the town of Mossville, which is legally part of Westlake, a town neighbouring Lake Charles.
The drinking water in Lake Charles has been found to contain dangerous levels of chemicals and toxins, including mercury, chlorine, bromoform, and dibromochloromethane.
Studies in animals indicate that exposure to high doses of bromoform or dibromochloromethane, which can be formed when chlorine is used to treat tap water, may lead to liver and kidney injury within a short period. Long-term intake can also cause liver and kidney cancer.
The Water Division of the Public Works Department in Lake Charles is responsible for the production, treatment, and distribution of all water supplied to the citizens. They have stated that their number one priority is providing customers with safe, reliable, and affordable drinking water. Third-party independent testing has found that the water exceeds health guidelines.
The PM2.5 concentration in Lake Charles is currently three times the World Health Organization's annual guideline value.
