Pollution contributing to climate change, and high asthma rates

Summary

This transcript highlights the severe asthma epidemic in the South Bronx, exacerbated by poor air quality from heavy traffic, industrial facilities, and environmental injustices. Residents, like Nina Hernandez and Melody Holloway, suffer from the health consequences of pollution, with asthma being widespread. Local grassroots organizations like South Bronx Unite and The Point CDC are fighting to bring attention to these issues, advocating for more green spaces and systemic changes. The transcript stresses the need for inclusive planning that addresses the needs of affected communities, aiming for long-term improvements in air quality and public health.

Takeaways

• 😀 Asthma is a common health issue in the South Bronx, affecting both individuals and families. Many people in the community are frequently hospitalized for asthma-related conditions.
• 😀 Air pollution in the South Bronx, particularly from highways and industrial activities, is believed to contribute significantly to asthma rates in the area.
• 😀 Local grassroots organizations like South Bronx Unite and The Point CDC have been raising awareness about the environmental factors contributing to poor health in the community.
• 😀 The South Bronx is surrounded by three highways and five bridges, leading to high levels of air pollution and noise, which directly impact residents' health.
• 😀 The Cross Bronx Expressway alone sees an average of 300 diesel trucks every hour, adding to the pollution in the neighborhood.
• 😀 Poor air quality disproportionately affects low-income communities and communities of color, with historic discrimination playing a role in the current environmental injustice.
• 😀 The Hunts Point Food Distribution Center, located in the South Bronx, generates about 15,000 daily truck trips, contributing to the area’s already poor air quality.
• 😀 Children in the Bronx experience significantly higher rates of emergency room visits due to asthma compared to other areas, with the rate being more than six times higher.
• 😀 Some neighborhoods in the South Bronx are nicknamed 'asthma alley' due to the high prevalence of asthma-related illnesses.
• 😀 Grassroots organizations are working to create change by educating the youth, advocating for environmental justice, and improving community spaces to reduce health risks.
• 😀 Increasing the availability of green spaces, like Saint Mary’s Park, can help improve overall health, including cardiovascular health, and provide a safe area for physical activity in communities affected by air pollution.

Q & A

What is the main issue highlighted in the transcript regarding the South Bronx?

The main issue highlighted is the impact of air pollution on the health of residents, particularly causing a high incidence of asthma in the South Bronx. The air pollution is attributed to factors such as high traffic, diesel truck emissions, and nearby waste facilities.

How does asthma affect the people living in the South Bronx, according to the residents?

Asthma severely affects the residents by making it difficult for them to breathe, especially in environments with poor air quality. Many people, including children and adults, experience frequent hospital visits and struggle with respiratory issues due to air pollution in their neighborhoods.

What do Nina Hernandez and Melody Holloway believe is the cause of their family's asthma?

They believe that the air pollution in their neighborhoods is the primary cause of their family's asthma. The pollution stems from nearby industrial sites, highways, and waste facilities, which contribute to poor air quality.

What role do grassroots organizations like South Bronx Unite and The Point CDC play in the community?

These grassroots organizations are actively working to raise awareness about environmental justice and the health impacts of air pollution. They focus on educating the community, advocating for systemic change, and addressing the environmental challenges that disproportionately affect the South Bronx.

What specific environmental issues are present in the South Bronx that contribute to asthma?

The South Bronx is surrounded by highways, bridges, and industrial zones, including waste facilities and the Hunts Point Food Distribution Center. These sources emit high levels of air pollution, including diesel truck emissions and other pollutants that contribute to poor air quality and increase asthma rates.

What are the statistics regarding asthma-related emergency room visits in the Bronx?

Children under the age of 17 in the Bronx experience more than six times the number of emergency room visits for air pollution-related asthma compared to other neighborhoods in the city.

How do residents in the South Bronx feel about the placement of warehouses and highways in their neighborhoods?

Residents feel that the strategic placement of warehouses and highways in their neighborhoods has caused environmental and health problems. They believe that these locations were chosen with little regard for the long-term effects on the community, leading to disproportionate suffering.

What solutions do grassroots organizations propose to improve the situation?

Grassroots organizations advocate for creating more green spaces, improving urban planning, and prioritizing community health in decision-making. They suggest that small steps, like increasing open parks and reducing industrial emissions, could make a big difference in improving air quality and health outcomes.

What is the significance of green spaces like Saint Mary's Park in the South Bronx?

Green spaces like Saint Mary's Park provide a rare opportunity for residents to access clean air and engage in active lifestyles. These spaces can help improve cardiovascular health and offer a small reprieve from the otherwise polluted environment.

What do organizations say needs to be prioritized in planning for the South Bronx?

Organizations emphasize the importance of planning that prioritizes the health and needs of the community. This includes considering the current environmental issues, such as air pollution, and avoiding further developments that contribute to these problems, like additional warehouses or highways.