Do you consider air pollution a matter of life and death? New studies show the health risks are a much bigger threat than you might imagine all across central Alabama.
An uplifting service inside Collegeville's Friendship Baptist Church, but outside you'll find the most toxic air in a city the American Lung Association rates as the fifth worst in the nation for air pollution.
"We've caught hell out here because of pollution," said parishioner Jimmy Smith.
Smith is not alone in his beliefs. Sarah Sims mother, Johnnie, who lived most of her life up in north Birmingham, died of leukemia last August.
“She suffered a lot. Even though she was constantly in pain, day by day she never complained. I wish I could tell her that we continue to fight her battle for her and that I love her and miss her," said Sims.
That battle is a lawsuit involving 1,400 people all claiming an array of health problems caused by Drummond's coke plant in Tarrant.
"I was diagnosed in the early 80'S with sarcadosis of the lungs and I went through a long treatment for that."
The suit alleges Drummond "spewed millions of tons of toxicants and noxious odors into the north Birmingham community and portions of the city of Tarrant in violation of state and federal laws."
Robert Palmer of the Environmental Litigation Group said, "It's a measure of environmental injustice in this country that industry facilities that emit toxic substances are not located in Mountain Brook, they're not located in wealthy neighborhoods because the wealthy and the powerful would not have it. They wouldn't permit it. They wouldn't stand for it for a moment. But those who are powerless in our society, it's an age old issue that the powerless are preyed on by industry."
Palmer's firm represents community members. He says his experts did extensive testing to show where the pollution is coming from.
"They have caused an epidemic of death and disease and they have destroyed a considerable amount of property."
Environmental lawyer Greagory Cade said, "One thing we noted over in north Birmingham was benzene. Benezene is a strong human carcinogen linked primarily to leukemia of all types. We've seen a huge number of leukemia."
Drummond declined to comment for our story.
The industrial plants that sit directly across from the Collegeville neighborhood are not named in the lawsuit. But McWane Pipe says it has spent millions recently on pollution controls: A cleaner painting process and bagging system to catch dangerous particles.
“Our goal is to reduce emissions as much as possible. We've actually done some things voluntarily that go beyond the requirements,” said McWane Environmental Manager Danny Lewis.
The Jefferson County Health Department has an extensive monitoring system in north Birmingham, confirming this is the dirtiest air in the county.
Air Monitoring Supervisor Randy Dillard said, “It's always worse closer to the sources, that's just, you know, any time you get close to the exhaust pipe of an automobile you're going to get more pollutants than if you were 20 feet away."
While Jefferson County has made huge strides in cleaning up its air, Cade remains skeptical.
"We're better today. That doesn't mean we're safe today. Different, totally different."
Pollution experts agree.
"I say we should continue to be concerned because on average we do see pretty good reductions in a lot of major air pollutants not only in Birmingham but throughout the U.S. But we don't see these corresponding reductions in air pollution related health effects,” said Dr. Jeremy Sarnat of Emory University.
And for those who breath the bad air everyday, the cries for help continue.
"It's no secret, but what are we going to do about it, that's the question. Is there anybody who will ever get in office who will do something about the condition that's out here? Who listens to poor people? Nobody…nobody," said Smith.
The Jefferson County Health Department has recently ordered eight north Birmingham companies to install new pollution control devices. The EPA has also ordered new pollution monitors set up around four schools to measure the toxins in the air.
