We hear from folks every week who are fighting for their right to breathe healthy air. It’s heartbreaking that in 2017 some people still struggle simply to breathe. Air pollution is the leading environmental health risk factor for premature death and disease. Children, pregnant women, older adults, and individuals with asthma, lung disease, heart disease, diabetes, or other chronic diseases are the most vulnerable.
Some areas have enjoyed major gains while others are hotspots for air toxics, particulate matter, heavy metals, and fugitive emissions. Let’s be honest about the situation: these are poorer neighborhoods — like Collegeville, Harriman Park, Fairfield, and Ensley — where residents may or may not have access to health care. In other words, by the time they find out they’re sick from breathing toxic air, it may be too late for them to get well.
And while frontline communities bear the greatest burden, air pollution does not discriminate. On that note, Gasp is proud to support the mission of Central Alabama Pride. Every Alabamian deserves clean air, and LGBTQ person deserves to live a life free from discrimination. We hope to see you at the 2017 Central Alabama Pride Fest at Sloss Furnaces on Sunday, June 11.
If you’re interested in getting involved, here are four things you can do right now:
