“Cancer Alley” is a 137 kilometer stretch along the Mississippi River in the American South – cluttered with heavy industry and polluted by its emissions.
Residents of the communities are at high risk of various health problems and in many cases cancer, according to a study published by Human Rights Watch.
A new study shows that the pollution also affects childbirth in the area.
Kaitlyn Joshua herself has suffered several miscarriages.
– Oh god, it was extremely stressful. The hardest thing was constantly having the feeling that I won’t be able to have a child, she says to SVT.
New study exposes the problems
Now a new one strikes research study established a link between the emissions and premature and malnourished babies.
The study is produced at Tulane University and the work is led by Professor Kimberly Terrell.
– Even if they survive and are healthy children, they are more likely to develop health problems later in life. These include stroke and cardiovascular disease, she says.
Victory in the fight against industry
Kaitlyn Joshua has been fighting for a long time to put a stop to the harmful emissions. A job which means that she often has to endure hatred and threats from those who work in the factories.
But now the US Environmental Protection Agency has decided that emissions must be limited.
– This is a huge win! I honestly did not think that the environmental protection authority would be accommodating in this matter, she says.
See the report from “Cancer Alley” in the video above.