Health Effects and Environmental Injustice of Communities Surrounding Pulp and Paper Mills

Communities surrounding pulp and paper mills are constantly exposed to emissions of foul odors and criteria and hazardous air pollutants (HAPs and CAPs). The characteristic odor of a pulp mill is a result of total reduced sulfur (TRS) emissions, which are irritants and potential neurotoxins. Odorous emissions alone can also cause health symptoms. The U.S. Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) states that, “Mucous membranes, upper and lower respiratory airways, heart and blood vessels, stomach and intestines, brain, psychological, and general well-being can be affected by odor.” They have also confirmed that, “Environmental odors that are irritating to the lower respiratory tract can exacerbate asthma episodes.” Health effects of inhalation of CAPs and HAPs include irritation of the respiratory tract, vomiting, central nervous system effects, increased risk of developing cancer, coma and death. There is an obvious discrepancy of the standard of living between the communities living close to the fence line of mills and those living several miles away. The poverty level is often higher closer to mills and the property values are lower. Property damage continues as acidic emissions from the facilities corrode metal and deteriorate paint and stone. Moreover, many pulp mill communities are socio-economically segregated, with poor residents living near the fence line, while wealthy residents live further away. This presentation discusses how scientific research and community activism are being used to request implementation of emission-reducing technologies to bring environmental justice to communities surrounding pulp and paper mills.