PEORIA -- USA TODAY has issued a startling story and map about toxic air pollution in the US and its impact on schools and children.
Peoria is one of the worst places in the US, according to the map and other information.
The report contains an interactive map where readers can find the air pollution levels in their communities, as well as an overall map of pollution levels in the US.
The page allows readers to find the pollution levels for individual schools. Peoria's south side has the worst levels -- no surprise given the location of ADM and other factories nearby.
For years as a reporter at the Journal Star I wrote about high pollution levels in the Peoria area as well as high cancer rates, based on government statistics. Few people seemed to care. I never heard this issue addressed by any local government officials.
The failed effort to expand the hazardous waste landfill at Pottstown drew public attention thanks to local activists, and air pollution was a small component of that fight. A majority of the Peoria County Board paid attention and defeated the expansion.
But that's it. Under President Bush, annual toxic reports from the US Environmental Protection Agency have been scaled back, to conceal the truth from the public.
Let's hope that changes under the Obama administration, and that environmental laws against toxic emissions are enforced and improved.
-- Elaine Hopkins
Comments