Feature story - March 3, 2008
Chemical facilities can put neighboring communities and workers at life threatening risks. The most deadly materials these facilities produce, store or use are poison gases. In the event of a terrorist attack or accident they would become airborne, jeopardizing the lives of thousands of people and the environment up to 25 miles from the plant.
To visualize how broad this hazard currently is, we have a map to share with you. The data collected for this map comes from reports submitted by the chemical plants to the EPA.
According to this data, in the United States there are 6,883 chemical facilities that each put more than 1,000 people at risk. Approximately 100 of these put more than 1 million people at risk. The facilities determine the number of people at risk by using census data for the people within a 360 degree "vulnerability zone" around each facility. The radius of the circle is determined by the type and quantity of gas released.
You'll be astounded to learn how many of these dangerous chemical facilities are in your home state. The numbers are high enough to make you cringe.
Greenpeace is urging Congress to pass chemical security legislation that could protect these communities by requiring the plants to convert to safer materials.
Click on map for larger view.
