HJNO May/Jun 2024

HEALTHCARE JOURNAL OF NEW ORLEANS I  MAY / JUN 2024 33 will reduce the number of people with elevated air toxics-related cancer risk by 96% in communities within approximately 6 miles of the covered plants. These communities, which often have higher percentages of people of color and low socioeconomic status, are expected to benefit significantly from the rule. Moreover, children, who are more vulnerable to the harmful effects of pollutants like EtO and chloroprene due to their devel- oping bodies, will see reduced exposure to these chemicals, both of which can damage DNA. Reaction fromLouisianaChemical Association Greg Bowser, president and CEO of the LCA, responded to the EPA’s final rule by highlighting concerns about the flawed IRIS assessment for ethylene oxide. Bowser emphasized that the EPA’s conservative value for EtO is significantly below the actual back- ground levels, potentially leading to unnecessary regulatory bur- dens on the industry. LCA plans to closely review the final rule and assess its impli- cations for its member companies in Louisiana. The association remains committed to advocating for scientifically sound regula- tory measures based on accurate and reliable data. Conclusion While the EPA’s final rule represents a significant step towards reducing cancer risks and improving air quality in communities near chemical plants, concerns raised by the LCAhighlight the complexi- ties of balancing environmental protection with industry interests. As stakeholders continue to evaluate the rule’s impact and implica- tions, ongoing dialogue and collaboration will be essential to ensur- ing the health and well-being of all Louisiana residents. After all, no one should have to live in fear of breathing air that could give them cancer. n In a significant move to protect the health of Louisiana residents living in the region known as Cancer Alley, the U.S. Environmen- tal Protection Agency (EPA) has announced a final rule aimed at reducing emissions of hazardous air pollutants. According to the EPA, cutting emissions of ethylene oxide (EtO) and chloroprene will drastically reduce cancer risks in nearby communities. However, the Louisiana Chemical Association (LCA) has raised concerns about the EPA’s use of a flawed Integrated Risk Informa- tion System (IRIS) assessment for ethylene oxide, suggesting that the rule may be based on overly conservative and inaccurate data. EPA’s Final RuleOverview On April 9, 2024, the EPA finalized a rule that will provide cru- cial health protections to hundreds of thousands of people living near chemical plants, including those in Texas and Louisiana. The rule aims to reduce emissions of hazardous air pollutants, such as chloroprene and EtO, both known to be potent air toxics and linked to cancer. Key highlights of the final rule include: • Anearly 80% reduction in annual emissions of both EtO and chloroprene. • Strengthened standards for equipment and processes used in synthetic organic chemical manufacturing and polymers and resins industries. • New emissions limits for dioxins, furans, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) to reduce smog-forming pollutants. The rule also introduces fenceline monitoring requirements to measure pollution levels around facility perimeters, with data to be publicly available through EPA’s WebFIRE database. Impact onNearby Communities The EPA’s community risk assessment indicates that the final rule NewFedRuleAims toClear theAir for Cancer AlleyResidents in Louisiana by Philip Gatto