Poisoned for Oil: Mapping Petrochemical Emissions and Public Health Risks in the Alsen/St. Irma Lee Community, LA, USA

Environmental justice communities across the United States continue to experience disproportionate exposure to industrial pollution, particularly in regions dominated by petrochemical infrastructure. The Alsen / St. Irma Lee Community in East Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana, represents one of the most vulnerable historically marginalized communities situated adjacent to major petrochemical facilities. This study integrates Geographic Information Systems (GIS), machine learning techniques, and environmental emissions data to spatially quantify petrochemical pollution exposure and associated public health risks within the community. Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) data, facility emission records, and spatial proximity analysis were employed to evaluate the distribution and intensity of airborne and waterborne pollutants. Results indicate that facilities emitting more than 500 pounds of toxic compounds pose elevated regulatory and public health risks, with the ExxonMobil Baton Rouge Plant identified as the dominant pollution contributor. Key hazardous chemicals released include cumene, styrene, trichloroethylene, and tetrachloroethylene, substances linked to neurological disorders, respiratory illnesses, and carcinogenic effects. Spatial risk mapping reveals concentrated exposure zones within residential areas, confirming long-standing environmental inequities. The findings emphasize the urgent need for strengthened emission controls, transparent monitoring systems, and targeted community health interventions to mitigate cumulative environmental and health burdens in the Alsen / St. Irma Lee community.