Linking California Air Pollution to Illness and Death--And Those Who Support Changes

• Daily exposure to diesel exhaust from airports, seaports, trucks and trains inevitably creates negative long-term health effects. It cannot be proven that nearly 50 years inhaling these toxic fumes caused my cancer. But studies show that particulate concentrations in the air cause dire health effects, including respiratory illness, choking asthma and increased hospitalization rates.

• Much of the information presented at our policy briefing, entitled The Right to Breathe Clean Air, was disturbing. Expert after expert testified on the toxicity of the air concentrated in certain, mostly industrialized sectors, most of them in poor communities of people of color.

Baldassare’s data shows that resident concerns over air quality and air pollution are greatest in Latino and African-American communities. Seven in 10 Latinos believe health threats due to air pollution are a “serious” to “very serious” problem in their communities.

Pastor’s testimony followed through. He said the burdens of environmental hazards are not borne equally in California: In Los Angeles, African Americans are fifty percent more likely and Latinos are twice as likely to be living near facilities that store, transfer and/or dispose of hazardous wastes.

Compared to whites, Pastor said, Latinos and Asians have a lifetime cancer risk that is one-third greater; African Americans experience a 40-percent greater lifetime cancer risk from ambient air toxics.

Mendoza noted that ports and freight — diesel-emitting ships, trucks, trains and cranes that move cargo about the state — are responsible for 2,400 premature California deaths every year. And guess which two regions have the worst air pollution in America? The South Coast, including the 28th Senate District I represent, and the San Joaquin Valley.

In conclusion, increasing population, economic growth, dramatic increases in vehicle-miles driven, among other factors, make it nearly impossible to cut pollution. Sadly, unless we do something to halt or reduce these levels, we will continue to harm, even kill, our children.

Under the leadership of Asm. Joe Coto of San Jose, chair of the Latino Caucus, we will continue studying the serious health and equality disparities Californians faces. Among possible proposals: The study of the health effects traffic congestion has on children whose schools are near freeways. As we consider possible legislation in 2008, we know we cannot make substantive progress without a mandate from the public. For the sake of cleaner air, clearer skies and a healthier future for all, please join us in protecting our children.

Senator Jenny Oropeza chairs the Revenue and Taxation Committee and is a member of the Appropriations; Transportation; and Elections, Reapportionment and Constitutional Amendments Committees. She also chairs the select committees on Integrity of Elections and Public Health and the Environment . She represents communities in Southern Los Angeles County from Long Beach to Carson.