Fact Check: "A 2022 study Terrell co-authored found higher cancer rates in Black or impoverished communities in Louisiana."
What We Know
In 2022, a study co-authored by Kimberly Terrell and Gianna St Julien investigated the relationship between cancer incidence and cancer risk from toxic air pollution in Louisiana. The research specifically focused on how these factors correlated with race and poverty across various census tracts in the state. The study utilized data from the Louisiana Tumor Registry (2008-2017) and the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (2011-2015) to analyze cancer rates in relation to environmental factors (source-1, source-4).
The findings indicated a significant association between higher estimated cancer risk from air toxics and increased cancer incidence, particularly in areas with high proportions of Black or impoverished residents. The study concluded that toxic air pollution is a contributing factor to the cancer burden in Louisiana's marginalized communities (source-1, source-7).
Analysis
The claim that a 2022 study co-authored by Terrell found higher cancer rates in Black or impoverished communities in Louisiana is substantiated by the research itself. The study's methodology involved robust statistical analysis, controlling for various factors such as smoking and obesity rates, which adds credibility to its findings (source-1, source-4).
Moreover, the study's conclusions are echoed in multiple reports and articles discussing its implications, reinforcing the reliability of the findings. For instance, a recent article in the Washington Post reiterated that the study highlighted the disparities in cancer rates linked to environmental factors affecting Black and impoverished communities in Louisiana (source-2).
While the study's authors have faced challenges, including allegations of censorship from university officials regarding their research, this does not diminish the validity of the study's findings (source-3).
Conclusion
Verdict: True
The claim that a 2022 study co-authored by Kimberly Terrell found higher cancer rates in Black or impoverished communities in Louisiana is accurate. The study provides empirical evidence linking toxic air pollution to increased cancer incidence in these demographics, supported by credible data and analysis.
Sources
- Air pollution is linked to higher cancer rates among black or ... Link
- Tulane scientist resigns citing university censorship of ... Link
- Tulane scientist resigns citing university censorship of pollution and racial disparity research Link
- Air pollution is linked to higher cancer rates among black or ... Link
- Tulane scientist resigns citing university censorship of ... Link
- Air pollution is linked to higher cancer rates among black or ... Link
- Air Pollution and Cancer Risk Found Among Black, Low- ... Link
- Cancer rates are higher in polluted, poorer Louisiana ... Link
