Eastern Kentucky University
The Health and Environmental Impacts of the Love Canal Disaster: The History and Outcomes
Grade Level at Time of Presentation
Senior
Major
Environmental Health Science & Sustainability
Institution 23-24
Eastern Kentucky University
KY House District #
92
KY Senate District #
31
Faculty Advisor/ Mentor
Ms. Ashlee Davis
Department
College of Health Sciences
Abstract
The Love Canal was a hazardous chemical dumping site in Niagara County, New York located near homes in the community. The chemicals caused higher miscarriage rates, birth defects, development of cancer and contaminated the air/water. Out of 64 residents who became pregnant, eight suffered three or more miscarriages (Paigen, 1982). In the community, 17.5% of children were born with birth defects (Paigen, 1982). Compared to other New York residents, those living near the love canal have higher reports of kidney and bladder cancer development (NYSDOH, 2011). Homes within the closest proximity to the canal were found to contain vapors of over 80 different chemical compounds in their basements (NYSDOH, 2018). Unsuspecting residents of the community were living on top of dumped hazardous chemicals. Distrust was created between the public and the government for not taking the health and environmental impacts on the residents seriously. Outrage from the public over the harm they were being exposed to led to declarations of state of emergencies. The government realized how important environmental legislation is, ultimately inspiring the creation of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability act of 1980. The harm done to the environment and, consequently, residents by the toxic chemicals in the Love Canal pushed for legislative action and has had a permanent impact on the handling of such waste today.
The Health and Environmental Impacts of the Love Canal Disaster: The History and Outcomes
The Love Canal was a hazardous chemical dumping site in Niagara County, New York located near homes in the community. The chemicals caused higher miscarriage rates, birth defects, development of cancer and contaminated the air/water. Out of 64 residents who became pregnant, eight suffered three or more miscarriages (Paigen, 1982). In the community, 17.5% of children were born with birth defects (Paigen, 1982). Compared to other New York residents, those living near the love canal have higher reports of kidney and bladder cancer development (NYSDOH, 2011). Homes within the closest proximity to the canal were found to contain vapors of over 80 different chemical compounds in their basements (NYSDOH, 2018). Unsuspecting residents of the community were living on top of dumped hazardous chemicals. Distrust was created between the public and the government for not taking the health and environmental impacts on the residents seriously. Outrage from the public over the harm they were being exposed to led to declarations of state of emergencies. The government realized how important environmental legislation is, ultimately inspiring the creation of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability act of 1980. The harm done to the environment and, consequently, residents by the toxic chemicals in the Love Canal pushed for legislative action and has had a permanent impact on the handling of such waste today.