Kentucky's Pollution Crisis: A Cancer Story

Kentucky has the highest rates of cancer in the United States, with lung cancer incidence and mortality rates 56% and 57% higher than the national average, respectively. While smoking is the biggest risk factor for lung cancer, air pollution is also a significant contributor, and Kentucky's air quality is impacted by toxic air pollution from chemical manufacturers, which has been linked to elevated cancer risk in the state. Particle pollution, a mix of tiny solid and liquid particles in the air, can cause lung cancer and increase the risk of early death, heart disease, and asthma attacks. It can also interfere with lung growth and function, particularly in children, and increase the risk of premature birth and low birth weight in newborns. Climate change further exacerbates air pollution by enhancing conditions for ozone pollution and increasing the risk of wildfires, which spread dangerous particle pollution. Therefore, addressing air pollution is crucial to reducing the burden of cancer in Kentucky and protecting the health of its residents.

Kentucky's Appalachian region has higher lung cancer rates, attributed partly to air pollution

Kentucky has the highest rates of lung cancer incidence and mortality in the United States. The Appalachian region, in particular, has higher lung cancer rates than non-Appalachian areas. This has been attributed to a combination of socioeconomic, behavioural, environmental, and policy factors.

One significant factor is the region's reliance on the coal-mining industry, which has been linked to high levels of air pollution and the presence of lung carcinogens. Many residents in Appalachian Kentucky are exposed to coal and silica dust, arsenic, chromium, and nickel, which are known or suspected carcinogens. The coal beds in eastern and western Kentucky also contain high concentrations of heavy metals, further contributing to air, soil, and water pollution. The unique geology of the state, with its limestone, shale, and dolomite composition, also results in high to moderate levels of radon exposure, which is the second leading cause of lung cancer.

Additionally, the Appalachian region's proximity to uranium deposits and the practice of strip mining in Eastern Kentucky further increase radiation risks. The presence of manufacturing plants and chemical complexes along the Ohio River, such as the PVC plant in Calvert City, also contribute to "toxic air pollution," elevating cancer risks for nearby residents.

Behavioural factors, such as tobacco smoke, also play a role in the high lung cancer rates. Kentucky has a high prevalence of cigarette smoking, with 26% of adults in Appalachian Kentucky being current smokers, compared to 17% nationwide.

The combination of environmental, behavioural, and socioeconomic factors has resulted in Kentucky's Appalachian region experiencing higher lung cancer rates, with air pollution being a significant contributing factor.

Air pollution increases the risk of lung cancer, especially in children and older adults

Kentucky has the highest rates of lung cancer incidence and mortality in the United States. This has been attributed to a wide range of socioeconomic, behavioral, environmental, and policy factors. The state's unique limestone, shale, and dolomite geology, and karst topography, expose Kentuckians to high to moderate levels of radon—the second leading cause of lung cancer. The presence of multiple carcinogens, such as arsenic, cadmium, and chromium, in the air, soil, and water, is both naturally occurring and linked to mountaintop and coal mining practices.

Coal-mining, in particular, has been identified as a contributor to lung cancer risk in the Appalachian region of Kentucky. The coal-mining industry has been linked to increased lung cancer risk in the southeastern portion of the state, which has some of the highest lung cancer rates in the nation. Additionally, a large proportion of residents in this region rely on private wells for drinking water, which may expose them to trace elements that are known or suspected lung carcinogens.

Air pollution, specifically particle pollution, has been identified as a risk factor for lung cancer. Fine particles from sources such as vehicle exhaust, coal-fired power plants, and other industrial sources, can enter deep into the lungs and are linked to lung cancer. Particle pollution increases the risk of early death, heart disease, asthma attacks, and can interfere with lung growth and function. In 2013, the World Health Organization (WHO) concluded that particulate matter causes lung cancer.

Anyone living in areas with high levels of particle pollution is at risk of health problems. Certain groups, including children, the elderly, people with lung and heart disease, diabetes, and people with low incomes, face higher risks. These vulnerable groups should take extra precautions, such as checking the air quality index forecast and limiting outdoor activity when pollution levels are high. While air pollution levels in the United States have decreased overall, certain areas, particularly low and middle-income countries with large populations, have seen significant increases in pollution levels.

Kentucky's Calvert City has elevated cancer risk due to toxic air pollution from a chemical manufacturer

Kentucky has the highest rates of lung cancer incidence and mortality in the United States. The state's high rates of cancer have been attributed to a wide range of socioeconomic, behavioural, environmental, and policy factors. One notable environmental factor is the presence of carcinogens in the air, soil, and water, which can be attributed to coal mining practices.

Calvert City in West Kentucky is one area that has been affected by toxic air pollution, which has resulted in an elevated cancer risk for its approximately 2,500 residents. A study conducted by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) found "elevated" levels of gases known as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), specifically vinyl chloride and ethylene dichloride (EDC). EDC is a "probable human carcinogen" that can also affect the liver and kidneys, according to the EPA.

The presence of these toxic chemicals in the air has been attributed primarily to Westlake Vinyls, Inc., a chemical manufacturer in Calvert City. Data from a 2020 federal emissions inventory revealed that Westlake Vinyls emitted 96% of all EDC emissions in Calvert City, making it the largest single source of EDC emissions in the country. The company manufactures vinyl chloride by heating up EDC, a process that releases harmful chemicals into the air.

The issue of toxic air pollution in Calvert City has been known for some time. State officials started monitoring the air quality in the mid-2000s, and the data showed levels of EDC that violated the EPA's long-term cancer risk guidelines for over a decade. Despite this, no effective action was taken to address the issue due to a lack of a quality assurance plan for the data.

The recent EPA study has brought the issue back into the spotlight, and the company has stated that it is committed to working with state and federal officials to reduce EDC emissions. In addition, Calvert City residents have filed lawsuits against Westlake Vinyls and other defendants, accusing them of gross negligence, intentional trespass, and nuisance. The elevated cancer risk calculated in the study was as high as 1,000 persons per million at a monitor set up next to Westlake Vinyls, far exceeding acceptable limits.

Kentucky's air pollution is caused by human activities, including vehicle exhaust and industrial sources

Kentucky has a unique geological composition of limestone, shale, and dolomite, which contributes to high to moderate levels of radon—the second leading cause of lung cancer—in the state. Kentucky also has two major coal beds in the east and west, containing high concentrations of heavy metals and carcinogens such as arsenic, cadmium, and chromium. These carcinogens are present in the air, soil, and water, and their presence is linked to mountaintop coal mining practices, which may place residents at risk of lung cancer.

While Kentucky maintains good air quality throughout most of the year, there are certain months with spikes in pollution. The primary sources of air pollution in Kentucky are vehicular emissions and industrial sources, such as factory or power plant emissions. Cars, trucks, and other personal vehicles emit exhaust fumes containing chemical pollutants and hazardous particulate matter, contributing to the state's air pollution levels.

The widespread production and exportation of coal, coupled with industrial factors and human activity, also drive pollution levels up. Construction sites and demolition areas leak large amounts of PM2.5 and PM10 into the air, along with dangerous heavy metals. Forest fires and the burning of firewood during winter, when power plants are already working harder to provide heat, further contribute to air pollution.

The high rates of cancer in Kentucky, particularly lung cancer, have been attributed to a combination of socioeconomic, behavioral, environmental, and policy factors. While tobacco smoke exposure is the primary risk factor for lung cancer in the state, air pollution from vehicle exhaust and industrial sources also plays a significant role. The presence of carcinogens in the air, soil, and water, resulting from human activities, contributes to the elevated cancer risk and incidence in Kentucky.

Kentucky's air quality is improving due to the Clean Air Act, but more work is needed to reduce particle pollution

Kentucky has the highest rates of lung cancer incidence and mortality in the United States. The state's high cancer rates have been attributed to a wide range of socioeconomic, behavioural, environmental, and policy factors. One of the primary environmental factors is air pollution, which is driven by Kentucky's unique geology and topography, as well as its coal-mining industry. The state's limestone, shale, and dolomite geology, combined with its karst topography, result in high to moderate levels of radon exposure, which is the second leading cause of lung cancer.

Additionally, Kentucky's coal-mining industry contributes to air pollution by releasing coal and silica dust, arsenic, chromium, and nickel into the air, soil, and water. These toxins are known or suspected lung carcinogens. The presence of multiple carcinogens in the environment places residents at an increased risk of developing lung cancer.

While Kentucky's air quality is improving due to the Clean Air Act, more work is needed to reduce particle pollution. The Clean Air Act permitting in Kentucky is a shared responsibility of the Kentucky Department of Environmental Protection, the Air Pollution Control District of Jefferson County, and EPA Region 4. The recent improvements in Jefferson County's air quality are a testament to the effectiveness of the Clean Air Act and the dedication of the local community. The county now meets national clean air standards for sulfur dioxide, which is beneficial for public health, the environment, and economic development.

However, Kentucky still faces challenges in reducing particle pollution. The state's coal-mining industry and unique geology continue to contribute to air pollution and the presence of carcinogens. Additionally, Kentucky has a high prevalence of cigarette smoking, with 25.6% of the adult population smoking in 2009, which is a significant risk factor for lung cancer. Further efforts are needed to reduce particle pollution and mitigate the environmental and health risks associated with air pollution in Kentucky.

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