Issue Areas

Environmental Issues: Environmental Justice

Hidden Danger Environmental Health Threats to the Latino Community Report: Pollution poses health risks for everyone, regardless of race, ethnicity, language, or country of origin. A large percentage of U.S. Latinos, however, live and work in urban and agricultural areas where they face heightened danger of exposure to air pollution, unsafe drinking water, pesticides, and lead and mercury contamination. This October 2004 report underscores the urgent need for government action on these environmental health threats.

Poisoning the Great Lakes Mercury Emissions from Coal-Fired Power Plants In the Great Lakes Region Report: Mercury emitted into the air from coal-fired power plants is by far the leading man-made source of mercury in the Great Lakes and the rivers and streams of the region. The report analyzed pollution data to determine the top 25 mercury emitting power plants in the Great Lakes states, and the top three in each state.
Clean Air Saves Lives Real stories of American families with asthma Overview: Four real stories of American families with asthma. Includes videos and images.
EPA Mercury and Air Toxics Rule Curbs Pollution The Obama Administration Protects Our Air and Our Health Overview: The Mercury and Air Toxic Standards
Mercury Contamination A Guide to Staying Healthy and Fighting Back Guide: Power plants and chemical facilities are the main sources of mercury pollution, but this hazardous chemical makes its way into our homes and bodies in fish. This guide provides information about the health effects of mercury exposure, shows where it's coming from, offers tips for eating fish more safely and highlights opportunities to help stop mercury pollution.

For additional policy documents, see the NRDC Document Bank.

Its Time to Clean Up and Green Up Los Angeles: posted by Adrian Martinez, 4/15/13
Celebrating victories for health in the Los Angeles harbor area: posted by Adrian Martinez, 3/28/13
Port of Los Angeles to vote on whether to approve the SCIG Rail Yard Project: posted by Morgan Wyenn, 3/6/13

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