Jersey Turnpike by bunkosquad on Flickr.
Although toxic pollutants pumped into the air by New Jersey industries have decreased by more than 99 percent between 2002 and 2006, Staten Island continues to be enveloped by a worrying cloud of pollution from the Garden State. Needless to say, Staten Islanders are not happy.
Floating across the Arthur Kill are aerosolized carcinogenic chemicals, in addition to benzene, and components of heavy metals like lead, nickel, and copper.
“Clearly, the prevailing winds from the west make the New Jersey emissions quite relevant to Staten Island’s air quality and any residual health effects,” said Dr. Patrick L. Kinney, associate professor of environmental health at Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health. “I think it’s prudent from a precautionary standpoint for a resident to be concerned if there’s pollution coming our way.” Not concerned in a cover-your-mouth-and-nose-and-stay-indoors kind of way, but rather in holding congressional representatives responsible for passing more stringent pollution laws, Kinney said. But what exactly to be concerned about, and the specific impact the chemical releases have, is unclear and would require lengthy studies, he said. “I don’t think anyone should be alarmed, but at the same time, let’s keep the pressure on to get cleaner and cleaner,” Kinney said.
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