This morning's photo serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing environmental and public health crisis faced by the residents of Mt. Vernon, where the daily burning of chemical and medical waste poses a serious threat to the community. The release of hazardous substances, such as dioxin—known for its cancer-causing properties—into the air underscores a grave injustice, as local families are unwittingly subjected to toxic exposure. This practice affects all areas of Mt Vernon.
The World Health Organization has long cautioned against such practices due to their detrimental effects on nearby populations. Alarmingly, despite this knowledge, Mayor Shawyn Patterson Howard and the Mt. Vernon City Council not only permit these harmful activities but are also facilitating the expansion of the facility, which is set to grow in size just a block away.
This situation calls for urgent action and accountability, as the health and well-being of the community should always take precedence over corporate interests and expansion. It is time for leaders to prioritize the safety of their constituents and pave the way for a healthier, more sustainable future.
Health risksScientists have linked exposure to dioxins to various adverse effects, including:
Dioxins can pass from a person to a fetus during pregnancy and to a baby through breastfeeding. If this occurs, it could lead to neurodevelopmental problems.
Dioxins can stay in the body for a long time. It may take 7–11 years