What is a Sacrifice Zone?

Diesel Particulate Matter (DPM) is a type of airborne particulate matter, a complex mixture of chemical compounds, including solid fragments, aerosols, liquid droplets, and more. Particulate matter with a diameter of 10 microns or less can enter the lungs, often leading to adverse health consequences. The emissions from gasoline, oil, and burning wood create a significant portion of particulate matter (PM) that is 2.5 microns in size; these smaller particles are even more capable of entering the lungs.

DPM is a byproduct of burning diesel fuel specifically and is made up primarily of carbon, ash, metallic abrasion particles, sulfates, and silicates. At 2.5 microns in size, DPM can penetrate deep into the lungs and can contribute to both short-term and long-term health problems, including but not limited to:

– Irritation to the eyes, nose, and throat

– Development of allergies

– Heart and lung disease

– Lung cancer and asthma

– Premature death

Exposure to DPM is particularly dangerous to infant, children, and elderly populations. In addition, prenatal exposure in pregnancy can lead to negative developmental outcomes such as preterm birth and structural birth defects.

According to the California Air Resource Board, it’s estimated that about 70% of total known cancer risk related to air pollution in California is attributable to DPM. Based on estimates in 2012, DPM increased California statewide cancer risk by 520 cancers per million residents exposed over a lifetime.

Environmentalism is a philosophical and political movement based on concern for the Earth and the entirety of nature. Environmentalists come in many varieties, but what generally binds them is a belief that everything is connected, that a threat to one portion of our ecology is a threat to all, and that humans are not the only species worthy of protection. Environmentalists are concerned about climate change and what people can do ensure the long-term survival of life on earth. The goal is to create a sustainable way of living and to prevent further damage by human actions.

Environmental justice is an outgrowth of the social justice movement with the purpose of addressing injustices related to the environment and health. The movement aims to ensure that low-income communities are not further harmed by poor land use policies, hazardous waste, and the various extraction industries.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) defines environmental justice as “the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, color, national origin, or income with respect to the development, implementation and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies.”

Environmental justice activists seek to prevent environmental racism, which occurs when people of color bear an unequal burden of environmental and health hazards and are denied equal access to clean air, clean water, and health care.

To check out the Principles of Environmental justice, go here.

A fenceline community or frontline community is an area that is adjacent to high-risk, high-polluting facilities such as oil refineries, drilling sites, chemical plants, metalworking facilities, military bases, goods transport centers, and other toxic industries.

Residents of these communities have to cope with poor air quality, foul odors, noise, traffic, and the ongoing danger of potential spills, explosions, leaks.

Often, the residents are Black or Brown, and the proximity to the toxic industry is a result of poor zoning policies and/or redlining.

Interstate 710 originates at the Ports of LA and Long Beach and travels through many communities before ending in Alhambra.

50,000 diesel-fueled freight trucks travel the I-710 each day.

Freight trains operate parallel to the I-710.

The movement of goods from the Ports not only creates traffic congestion but is also a major source of air pollution.

Some of the worst air quality in the United States is found along the I-710 corridor, which is sometimes described as the “diesel death zone.”

Communities affected by the 710 include: Long Beach, Compton, Paramount, Lynwood, Southgate, Bell, Commerce, East Los Angeles, Monterey Park, and Alhambra.

The twin ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach in San Pedro Bay comprise the largest port complex in the country.

The ports operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

40% of U.S. imports enter through the twin ports of LA/Long Beach.

Cargo ships transporting goods use bunker fuel, which is among the dirtiest fuels. At the destination port, cargo ships idle, producing significant pollution from exhaust fumes.

At the port, workers use primarily diesel equipment to unload containers and transfer them to trucks, most of which are powered by diesel fuel. Some goods are shipped via diesel-powered trains.

Most of the diesel-powered trucks use the I-710 corridor to begin the transport of goods to other parts of the country.

Redlining is a form of systematic discrimination that was used to deny loans, mortgages, and other financial services to people largely on the basis of race and the location of their neighborhood. The consequences of this disinvestment included not only lower wealth for people of color but also complications leading to chronic disease and decreased longevity.  Sacrifice zones are often a byproduct of redlining.

Read more about the history of redlining and its effects on Los Angeles in this report from the LA City Clerk’s office.

A sacrifice zone is a geographic area where residents have been exposed to ongoing industrial pollution resulting in systemic environmental damage and economic impairment.

Sacrifice zones are often written off by economic development agencies, resulting in a cycle of lowered real estate values, lack of services, and neglect.

Toxic waste is a solid waste material that poses a threat to humans and the environment.

There are many sources of toxic or hazardous waste; it could be a byproduct of manufacturing or the residue of batteries, pesticides, and solvents. Oil spills, auto repair shops, and the manufacture of plastics also generate toxic waste.

If the waste is absorbed by plants, animals, or humans, the results could be injury or loss of life. Toxic wastes can be inhaled, swallowed, absorbed through the skin, or ingested when toxic waste enters the food chain.