New research reveals health effects caused by diesel particulates

Dr. John Froines giving his presentation on the
health effects caused by diesel.
(Photo by Anabell Romero)

A doctor and professor at UCLA revealed new research on the health effects caused by diesel particulates Wednesday night. Community members, environmentalist, health experts and government agencies all gathered at the Banning Senior Citizen’s Center to listen to Dr. John Froines speak about his shocking findings.

He started off by stating that 50-60 years ago America’s views on pollution were completely different and very limited.

“It was thought that air pollution was the result of backyard barbecues,” said Froines.  

As more research on air pollution has been conducted studies show that, “the underlying basis for health effects are from airborne particulate matter (PM) and vapor co-pollutants,” said Froines.

There has been speculation that Southern California’s air quality is gradually improving, but according to Froines, that is false.

“There have been no improvements,” he said, “It’s worse!” Some of the health illnesses he listed as a result of PM, which is found in diesel fuel are:

• Asthma
• Problems of lung growth in children
• Atherosclerosis, which is hardening of the arteries. It occurs when fat, cholesterol, and other substances build up in the walls of arteries and form hard structures called plaques.
• Lung and possibly bladder cancer
• Uptake and chronic inflammatory effects in the Central Nervous System (CNS)

Other illnesses he mentioned were Alzheimer, as well as the increased chances of premature births.

He said these particulates are as tiny as the size of a virus. People exposed to PM are not only inhaling it but the invisible poison also travels through human pores he said.

“Particulates can travel to the brain, not only the lungs and heart,” he added. He continued to emphasize on pollution being a, “very complex issue.”

He said, “for diseases and illnesses to occur there needs to be chemistry at the outset and downstream with proteins and DNA.”

The Solution to pollution

The solution is finding something other than diesel said Froines.

Now that the research is there to prove how harmful it is to be exposed to high levels of diesel the federal government needs to regulate the amount of emissions that are released in the air, he said.

After Froines’ talk a panel of health experts and government agencies discussed some of the work they’re doing to develop a solution for this fatal problem.

A representative from the air division at the US Environmental Protection Agency, Dr. Kim Hoang, said that, “everything at the federal level takes years to develop…five to 10 years from now we will see all those studies being considered.”

The public was not very happy to hear that.

A Long Beach community resident demanded that government agencies do something about holding the ports, railroad companies, trucking companies and other polluters accountable for the damage they’re doing to the health of residents in nearby neighborhoods.

Carmen Rivera from Long Beach sharing her experience of
living in neighborhood highly impacted by air-pollution.
(Photo by Anabell Romero)

“The ports want to do all these new projects, like the railyard, behind our homes,” said Long Beach resident Carmen Rivera. “You the agencies have the power to help us and say no to their absurd projects.”

There was also discussion about zero-emission technology available to replace current diesel fueled machines and trucks.

“Zero-emission freight technology is the solution and we need to pursue them,” said Dr. Joseph Lyou from South Coast Air Quality Management District.

The meeting ended with public comments and community members demanding that the government do something about this now and not five or 10 years from now.

It is not fair for residents to continue fighting with industry about these issues, if there’s probable risk then it needs to be banned, said an attendee at the meeting.

L.A. City Council Elections

When Janice Hahn was elected into the U.S. Congress this past July, the L.A. City Council seat for District 15 was left vacant. With the special elections approaching on November 8th, Wilmington along with four other cities has 11 candidates to choose from for its new representative.

Wilmington residents have been increasingly committed to making sustainable, positive changes and have learned to spot candidates that understand the community’s collective needs versus those that do not. Examining statistical data is not enough to fully understand any city, and it certainly isn’t a complete representation of Wilmington.

With our involvement in community events, the Wilmington Wire team has noticed that, for residents, it is really the small things that matter. “I would like to see the sidewalks of not only the Cruces Community, but of all of Wilmington continually repaired,” says Salvador Lara, resident of Wilmington. “I also hope we can still have the “Clean Wilmington” program that Janice Hahn supported.”

We want a representative that understands the every day problems families’ face like the need of more public transportation as kids are getting out of school or for those that travel far for groceries. We want someone that can easily identify areas that need more crosswalks to decrease accidents. Wilmington needs a candidate that sincerely wants to work to form a better community by helping create spaces for youth and students to study and use the Internet.

To understand these community’s needs, one must walk the city, be part of the neighborhood and experience it as residents do. We believe a truly committed candidate will take the time to do this.

The recent violence in the community has had people wondering where our community representatives are and what they are doing to resolve this reoccurring problem. “I believe the drug raid in 2007 made the Cruces Community safer. I no longer see the open sale of drugs. I thank Janice Hahn and the agencies involved for that,” said Lara.

Many residents have conceded that police presence has increased, but wonder what preventative measures will take place. What are the things that will keep youth off the streets?

The Wilmington Wire has created a virtual space for residents to inform one another of what’s happening in Wilmington. It is a place where people can talk about what they would like to see differently in their community. Through comments posted on the Wilmington Wire Blog and Facebook, it is clear that residents are fed up with waiting for politicians that promise change and never follow through.

“I think (residents) feel their vote won't really make a difference and don't bother with becoming educated about the issues being voted on,” said Carmen Chavez, Wilmington resident.

This type of skepticism is one of the main reasons for low turnout rates on election days. Residents have expressed discontent with politicians that come to Wilmington only to campaign, but do little to maintain a presence throughout their term. It is an attitude that has lead to voter apathy and distrust in government.

There is a way to change this. Instead of politicians trying to keep industry happy, decisions should be addressing the needs of the community; government should work for the people. We understand that a four-year term is not long enough to solve the historical problems of our community (i.e. pollution, violence, education and jobs), but we hope the next four years will bring some visible changes.

We hope that the next candidate will be willing to reach out to the community and create programs that give residents opportunities that have not been available to them previously.

Involvement by residents is key for any successful change in this community. Many residents are willing to help, but it is tough when most feel that there hasn't been a candidate truly invested in improving Wilmington.

The Wilmington Wire team encourages residents to stay informed, research candidates and go out to vote. We believe that where there is hope, there is a possibility of change.

We continue to stay optimistic that the next city council member elected will help bring progress to Wilmington and not only say will they. Let’s make people want to vote and regain faith in the election process and of course, make Wilmington a better place for its residents.