Poisoned for Oil: Spatial Consequence Analysis of Ethylene Oxide Emissions from a Petrochemical Facility in Port Allen, Louisiana-USA

The Gulf Coast region of Louisiana hosts one of the highest concentrations of petrochemical industries in the United States, contributing substantially to national economic output while simultaneously posing severe environmental and public health risks. Among the hazardous pollutants released from these facilities is ethylene oxide (EtO), a highly toxic and carcinogenic gas associated with elevated risks of leukemia, lymphoma, and respiratory disorders. Communities surrounding industrial corridors, commonly referred to as “Cancer Alley”, experience disproportionate exposure due to historical land-use patterns and environmental injustice. This study evaluates the spatial extent and severity of health risks associated with a hypothetical worst-case release of ethylene oxide from the ExxonMobil Port Allen Lube Plant in West Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana. The Areal Locations of Hazardous Atmospheres (ALOHA) dispersion model was employed to simulate atmospheric transport under defined meteorological conditions using Gaussian plume theory. Acute Exposure Guideline Levels (AEGL-1, AEGL-2, and AEGL-3) were applied to delineate threat zones representing mild, serious, and potentially lethal exposure thresholds. Results indicate that outdoor EtO concentrations exceeding 200 ppm (AEGL-3) extend up to approximately 1,750 yards from the release source, posing immediate life-threatening risks. Indoor concentrations reaching 45 ppm (AEGL-2) affect areas up to 2.3 miles from the facility, exposing sensitive populations to long-term carcinogenic risks. Several critical facilities, including residential areas, logistics centers, and public institutions, fall within these impact zones. The findings highlight the urgent need for stricter emission control, continuous monitoring, emergency preparedness, and environmental justice-driven policy interventions to protect vulnerable communities in Louisiana’s industrial corridor.