Chicago’s southeast side has been a magnet for high air pollution for over 10 years. For over 100 years, the Southeast Side has been a place where families raise their kids, build their homes, and suffer from the deadly effect of pollution. Over the course of these years, the effect this has had on its residents has led to chronic heart and lung diseases.
Chicago’s South and West sides deal with the country’s worst air pollution known as PM2.5, according to the new Guardian analysis research from a team at the University of Washington and Virginia Tech. In addition, the south, west, and surrounding area in northwest Indiana ranked third and fourth for worst pollution in the area.
Why This Matters
The type of air pollution Chicagoans breathe in on a daily basis is made up of tiny particles that can travel deep into the bloodstream and lungs increasing the risk of death. Studies show this can cause raspatory diseases, heart attacks, and strokes. Since 2014, more than 75 facilities have been investigated by federal agencies for environmental law violations.
Unfortunately, when the Chicago wetlands decreased by 40% in 1900 it made conditions worse. The city’s wetlands filtered pollutants and prevented flooding, but began to decrease when the city altered the Chicago River. The result of this prevented industrial wastewater away from population centers. This eventually increased the rates of flood damage, bad air quality, and other harmful environmental events. This resulted in the community being able to protect their environment and health.
What They Are Saying
In 2021, the EPA administrator stated in a letter to Chicago’s mayor Lori Lightfoot, “Conditions facing Chicago’s southeast side epitomize the problem of environmental injustice…” He also stated that the neighborhood ranked the highest levels for multiple pollution indicators. Furthermore, this includes fine particular matter, cancer risk, air toxics, wastewater discharges, and many other toxic hazards.
Now developers are planning to open an underground warehouse underneath a former steel site. Moreover, residents are worried about this plan saying it will add to air pollution.
Another site residents are concerned about is a 43-acre structure that contains millions of contaminated dredge materials from near water systems and was set to close in 2021. Unfortunately, state officials extended the closing date, despite the hazards. Community organizers are saying keeping the dump open could threaten the city’s water supply.
The southeast side community is long overdue for better air quality and better environmental support.
Written By Bella Ortega
Sources:
The New Lede: Chicago’s Southeast Side Pushes Back Against Pollution by Paul Gordon
Axois: Chicago’s South And West Sides Among Top Hotspots For Air Pollution by Monica Eng
Muck Rock: This is Really Concerning: Chicago Air Quality Sensors Show Disparities Across The City and Unexplained Spikes In Pollution by Dillion Bergin and Karen Wang
Top and Featured Image Courtesy of Mark Dixon Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
First Inset Image Courtesy of Samuel Love Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
