Fact Check: The community of Geismar is seen in the shadow of a chemical and petroleum industrial corridor, that is a known source of ethylene oxide emissions.

Fact Check: "The community of Geismar is seen in the shadow of a chemical and petroleum industrial corridor, that is a known source of ethylene oxide emissions."

What We Know

Geismar, Louisiana, is situated in a region known for its dense concentration of chemical and petroleum industries, particularly along the Mississippi River. Recent studies have highlighted that this area is a significant source of ethylene oxide (EtO) emissions, a volatile organic compound recognized as a human carcinogen. Research conducted by Johns Hopkins University found that ethylene oxide levels in southeastern Louisiana, including Geismar, were detected at concentrations significantly higher than what is considered safe by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) (source-1, source-2).

The study reported that a majority (approximately 68%) of the total hazard from industrial air emissions in this region is attributable to ethylene oxide (source-1). Furthermore, the researchers noted that levels of ethylene oxide were found to be as high as 40 parts per billion in areas close to industrial facilities, which is over a thousand times higher than the acceptable risk levels for long-term exposure (source-2).

Analysis

The claim regarding Geismar being in the shadow of a chemical and petroleum industrial corridor that emits ethylene oxide is substantiated by multiple credible sources. The research from Johns Hopkins University utilized advanced mobile monitoring techniques to measure ethylene oxide concentrations in real-time, revealing alarming levels that were not previously reported (source-1, source-2).

The credibility of the sources is strong, as they originate from a reputable academic institution and are published in peer-reviewed journals. The findings are corroborated by other reports that emphasize the presence of ethylene oxide emissions in the region, further supporting the assertion that Geismar is indeed affected by these emissions (source-5, source-6).

However, it is important to note that while the studies provide substantial evidence of ethylene oxide emissions, there are ongoing debates regarding the regulation and assessment of these emissions, with industry groups often contesting the toxicity levels attributed to ethylene oxide (source-1). This context highlights the complexity of environmental health issues in industrial areas like Geismar.

Conclusion

The claim that "the community of Geismar is seen in the shadow of a chemical and petroleum industrial corridor, that is a known source of ethylene oxide emissions" is True. The evidence from recent studies indicates that Geismar is indeed located in a region with high levels of ethylene oxide emissions, which poses significant health risks to the local population. The findings from reputable sources confirm the presence of these emissions and their potential impact on community health.

Sources

1. Ethylene Oxide in Southeastern Louisiana's Petrochemical Corridor: High Spatial Resolution Mobile Monitoring during HAP-MAP. Link
2. Surprisingly high levels of toxic gas found in Louisiana. Link
3. Louisiana stifles community air monitoring with threat of million-dollar fines, federal lawsuit says. Link
4. Lawsuit: Louisiana stifles air monitoring with threat of large fines. Link
5. Researchers find higher levels of dangerous chemical than expected in southeast Louisiana. Link
6. Researchers find higher levels of dangerous chemical than expected in southeast Louisiana. Link
7. Invisible Threat, Inequitable Impact. Link
8. Tulane scientist resigns citing university censorship of pollution and racial disparity research. Link