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The problem of poverty remains one of the issues contributing to the drop in the quality of life, life expectancy, and overall well-being of a major part of the American population. In their article Pollution, Poverty and People of Color: Living with Industry, Jane Kay and Cheryl Katz outline some of the side effects of the policies adopted in the manufacturing industry. Specifically, the authors outline that the housing options provided to the poverty-stricken employees of major manufacturing companies in North Richmond, CA.
The authors of the article have interviewed several people employed at the Chevron Richmond Refinery owned by Standard Oil. According to the account provided by the interviewees, the pollution issue has been aggravated by the economic and social isolation of the residents, causing them to resort to a variety of activities with potential risks for their well-being. Moreover, the article indicates that there may be a link between the levels of violent crimes and the exposure to the unhealthy environment in the North Richmond community: Im beginning to think theres a correlation between the toxic fumes that were breathing and the violence that is so prevalent in our community (Kay and Katz 4). Thus, the article showcases the effects of the lack of insight when implementing a cost-saving strategy within a poverty-stricken community.
To make matters worse, instead of seeking ways of reducing the harmful impact that it produces on local residents, the Chevron Richmond Refinery has been dodging its responsibilities. Specifically, the company has cut the levels of nitrogen oxide emissions, yet increased the emissions of benzenine, thus increasing the levels of pollution. Overall, the article points to the necessity to introduce a radical change into the control of the actions taken by large corporations in impoverished areas. Thus, major companies can be held accountable, which will lead to better treatment of staff members, poverty reduction, and minimisation of the environmental impact.
Work Cited
Kay, Jane, and Cheryl Katz. Pollution, Poverty and People of Color: Living with Industry. Scientific American, vol. 167, no. 6, 2012, pp. 1-8.
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