In order to compare the actual conditions within the
Flatbush-East Flatbush area with our survey results, we gathered
information from EPA information contained in the ESRI databases. We
mapped our findings on air releases, toxic releases, and hazardous
waste generators for the four zipcodes we researched. We also created
buffers around the sites of emissions - ranging from 0.1 miles to 1
mile - so as to demonstrate the extent to which these various emissions
can possibly affect the neighborhood.
32% of the residents interviewed said air releases are
the greatest cause of the number of cancer cases reported in their
neighborhood. This map illustrates the actual air releases including
emissions such as carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides from
industrial/commercial sources in the Flatbush-East Flatbush
neighborhood (EPA information from ESRI database).
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From these maps, one can see that air releases does in
fact consume the entire Flatbush-East Flatbush neighborhood. Toxic
releases and hazardous waste as well do cover much of the neighborhood,
but to a much lesser degree. It is difficult, however, to truly know
which of these plays the greatest role as the most prominent cause of
the reported cancer cases in Flatbush-East Flatbush.
References:
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)