The IRE Resource Center is a major research library containing more than 23,250 investigative stories — both print and broadcast. These stories are searchable online or by contacting the Resource Center directly (573-882-3364 or rescntr@ire.org) where a researcher can help you pinpoint what you need. Browse or search the tipsheet section of our library below. Stories are not available for download but can be easily ordered by contacting the Resource Center:
Search results for "butadiene" ...
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In Harm's Way
The Houston Chronicle funded and conducted a study into air quality at 84 homes and 16 public places in four Southwest Texas communities adjacent to major refineries and/or chemical plants. The newspaper also analyzed more than a decade's worth of air pollution data collected by the state. The effort revealed that residents in this area were being exposed to elevated levels of dangerous and cancer-causing pollutants. Officials were aware of this and some of their own employees charged with monitoring the air were getting sick themselves. The study was able to pinpoint the culprit, adjacent industries.
Tags: pollution; industrial waste; public safety; pollutants; benzene; 1; 3-butadiene; air toxins; Texas Release Inventory; Texas Emissions Events; Texas Commission on Environmental Quality
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In Harm's Way
The Houston-Chronicle investigated and tested the air quality in four Texas communities that surrounded some of the state's largest industrial plants. Their tests showed that the plants in these communities were releasing "air toxics" into the air and were thus increasing the resident's risks of kidney and liver damage, along with many other serious heath problems. Furthermore, the Houston-Chronicle found that Texas air regulations are among the most lenient in the country.
Tags: EPA; environment; benzene; butadiene; chloroform; environmental regulations; Baytown; Freeport; Port Neches; industrial plants; chemicals; air toxics