Camden’s Helpless

 I selected the whole city of Camden as my boundary because I believe that whatever happens in certain neighborhoods will impact the whole city. In this case, the toxic air pollutants from the South Camden Incinerator being exposed to the rest of the city, potentially increasing the health risks of all its citizens. I didn’t increase the buffer radius because I’m only focusing on the city of Camden. The data information shows all the toxins being released in Camden affecting the citizens. It gives a better understanding of how much of these toxins are being released into the air, and the data should be used to get the city government’s attention.

From the pollution and sources section, the most important things for me were the particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide, and toxic releases to air. According to the data, the Particulate Matter in Camden scored a 72 percentile in State which is very high. These particles are made up of different chemicals. They’re very harmful to the environment, if a person inhales it, it can cause health problems. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, particles are as small as 2.5 micrometers similar to a single hair on a person’s head. The EPA mentions that any particulate matter less than 10 micrometers can get into your lungs and bloodstream. These particles are practically invisible, and no one would be able to detect them. The human respiratory system is fragile and if the particulate matter reaches the lungs, it’s only a matter of time before lung problems such as asthma, bronchitis, or lung cancer affect individuals. Many citizens in the past have already been diagnosed with asthma. Particulate matter has been a major problem for citizens in the past 30+ years, citizens want change in regards to pollution regulations. 

Toxins such as nitrogen dioxide are found in the South Camden incinerator. If waste is not used for energy, emissions such as nitrogen dioxide are released into the air through the incinerator’s smokestack. Nitrogen dioxide also affects the respiratory system. According to the EPA, breathing air with a high concentration of Nitrogen Dioxide can irritate airways in the lungs. Many Camden citizens are demanding clean air, they want to reduce the amount of emissions being released from the South Camden Incinerator. They don’t want to struggle breathing anymore, they just want to be able to live a normal life. According to the data, the nitrogen dioxide in Camden was valued at 9.1 much higher than the USA average, which is 7.8. 

And on top of that, other variables such as Toxic Releases to Air, Camden’s value was at 2,600. The state average was only 1,100. This indicates that pollution in Camden is no joke, and that the incinerator may have something to do with it. 

Looking at the data from the EJScreen’s “Socioeconomic Indicators”, I was able to determine that Camden is a low income minority city. Things that make up the area are poverty, low income and non-english speakers. 96% of the population in Camden speak Spanish, there’s a chance that there is a language barrier creating miscommunication and isolation from the rest of society. The Spanish speaking population may not have a clue as to what’s going on in their city, things such as toxic air pollution.

Looking at the data, I was able to see that Camden’s population is 53% Hispanic and 40% Black, these are racial groups that have suffered racial inequality. Historically, they’ve had less opportunities to advance in society such as job positions, education, health, etc. This gives me the idea that  the residents of Camden are suffering environmental racism. They have been exposed to toxins from the South Camden Incinerator, and the city government has not fully addressed the root of the problem. But there’s another group involved which is the company that runs the South Camden Incinerator, they have stepped over the EPA’s emission guidelines. 

Going back to the city government, I’m sure they’ve had issues with funding. 31% of their population had less than a high school education, which is much higher than the 9 % state average. When you provide a good education, you ensure a better future for its residents. The data does not show the quality of the schools, but it is obvious the city needs to improve opportunities for education. Funding may be the root of all its problems in Camden. Economically speaking, we know that Camden is receiving its money from the South Camden Incinerator, it’s a big money maker.
Although, Camden’s economy may be doing good. According to the data, the majority of the population is low income at 60%. Low income communities tend to be exposed to poor environmental conditions. Also, Camden’s unemployment is at 15% while the state is 6%. Local government plays a big role in shaping the lives of their residents. The data shows that low income rates are much higher in Camden than other parts of New Jersey and the US. This indicates that poverty is a big problem in Camden. This gives me the idea that most people living in this area can’t afford to live anywhere else but Camden. And that they have no choice but to live somewhere that’s close to hazardous waste. The city would rather put their time and effort into the economy, rather than the people. The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection considers Camden an overburdened community. All of this correlates with the Incinerator being put in Camden, a community that is working class citizens with limited opportunities. 

Both the demographic and environmental data, shows the negative impacts that Camden residents have to live with. By looking at the data, we can simply agree that the city government needs to address the pollution problem. The residents of Camden have tried to address the environmental and health issues the incinerator has brought to their home, but have been ignored from the start.

There’s a need for change in Camden. The people have been ignored for a long time. And yet I feel it is important to raise awareness about the situation, to let the unheard voices be heard. My research topic is about a group of people wanting to make a difference in their community. Regardless of race, income or background- we all deserve to breathe fresh air.