EPA Underestimates Cancer Threat in Louisiana’s River Parishes

A recent peer-reviewed study from Johns Hopkins University shows that families living in Louisiana’s industrial River Parishes, including Ascension, Iberville, St. James, and St. John the Baptist, may face cancer risks far higher than previously reported. In February 2023, researchers used a mobile air monitoring lab to measure levels of 17 hazardous air pollutants and compared results to the EPA’s official estimates. The findings, published this week, reveal a startling gap between reported and actual risks.

Cancer Risks Are Shockingly High

The study found that nearly every community in the area had cancer risks exceeding EPA estimates. One finding revealed that Iberville Parish faces a cancer risk of 560 per 1 million residents, over 10 times higher than the EPA’s estimate of 50 per 1 million. The EPA’s model relies on emission data from state agencies and self-reported data from industrial facilities, which can underestimate real exposure. In Louisiana, the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (“LDEQ”) monitors some pollutants, but its coverage is limited. The agency does not track all cancer-causing chemicals, and measurements are sporadic and only taken at a few locations. As such, the LDEQ often misses pollution spikes near industrial plants.

The study found that ethylene oxide, chloroprene, and formaldehyde account for a large majority of the total cancer risk in the River Parishes. These chemicals are not measured by LDEQ, meaning the EPA relies on industrial self-reporting.

“This cancer risk is unacceptably high, especially for an area with high social
and economic vulnerabilities.”

Understanding Cancer Alley

The River Parishes are part of Louisiana’s notorious Cancer Alley, a stretch along the Mississippi River lined with chemical plants, refineries, and other industrial facilities. Generations of residents live with elevated risks of cancer and other serious illnesses due to long-term exposure to toxic air pollutants. Communities here often face social and economic vulnerabilities, which can compound the health impacts of environmental exposure.

Many facilities in this region were recently given a two-year exemption on pollution controls [link to previous Cancer Alley blog post], highlighting that regulatory measures are not keeping pace with the risks. This exemption makes studies like Johns Hopkins’ even more critical, confirming that the dangers are not just theoretical; they are very real.

Why This Matters

For those living or working in the River Parishes, these findings are more than numbers; they are a serious warning about the air we breathe. Long-term exposure to pollutants can increase the risk of serious illnesses and cancer. Awareness and proactive action are essential to protect our health and families.

The Law Office of Philip C. Hoffman Is Here to Help

At the Law Office of Philip C. Hoffman, we have extensive experience representing individuals and families harmed by environmental exposure and toxic chemicals, including asbestos, benzene, and other carcinogens. We are committed to holding negligent companies accountable and ensuring residents get the justice and compensation they deserve. If you or a loved one has been exposed to toxic chemicals, don’t wait.

Contact us today for a free consultation to learn about your legal options and take the first step toward protecting your family.