Louisiana's 'Cancer Alley' Sees High Rates of Low Birth Weight and Preterm Births

Predominantly Black communities bear the brunt of health and environmental consequences in the heavily polluted region.

Newborns in Louisiana's 'Cancer Alley' experience low birth weights at more than three times the national average, and the rate of preterm births is twice the national average, according to a report by Human Rights Watch.
The region, home to over 200 petrochemical plants, has one of the highest pollution-related cancer rates in the country, and residents report a host of health issues including various cancers and reproductive problems.
The report also highlights the disproportionate impact on the area's predominantly Black communities, who bear the brunt of the health and environmental consequences.
Regulatory authorities have been criticized for failing to address the severity of harm from the fossil fuel and petrochemical operations, and for not enforcing federal laws and mandates.
The report calls for increased regulations, enforcement, and support for local calls for moratoriums on new or expanded fossil fuel and petrochemical operations.