Pennsylvania's Plastic Problem: Health and Safety at Stake

Pennsylvania is home to a growing petrochemical industry, but at what cost? The state's residents are paying a high price for the plastic produced by facilities like Shell's plant in Beaver County. This plant, which received millions in tax breaks, has not only underperformed economically but has also put the health and safety of nearby communities at risk. The production of chemicals from oil and gas releases toxic pollution and greenhouse gases. These facilities expose communities to hazardous chemicals like benzene, formaldehyde, and butadiene, which can lead to increased cancer rates. Additionally, the release of particulate matter and nitrogen oxides contributes to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, as well as dementia and preterm birth. Infants and children are particularly vulnerable to this pollution, as their bodies are still developing and they breathe in more air relative to their size. The infrastructure needed for extracting and processing natural gas for the petrochemical industry further extends this health burden. In Beaver County, natural gas is processed at facilities like the Revolution and Harmon Creek gas plants. The proposed expansion of the Marcus Hook facility would increase the risk of respiratory illness in a county where 12, 519 children already have asthma. And for what? To produce plastic, nearly half of which is used once and then thrown away. The ecological and human health impacts of microplastics are also a growing concern. A recent report found that the average adult brain may contain as much plastic as a whole plastic spoon. Microplastics accumulate in fat tissue and can cause cancer, intestinal disease, pulmonary disease, and reproductive dysfunction. The petrochemical industry also poses a risk to the safety of its workers and nearby communities. The U. S. averages one petrochemical incident every three days. Shell's complex in Beaver County has had 85 malfunctions in less than three years, including a recent fire and chemical release. It's time for Pennsylvania and the rest of the country to stop enabling the petrochemical industry and prioritize the health and safety of its residents.