Refineries play a critical role in supplying fuels and chemicals, but they also release pollutants that pose serious health risks for nearby residents. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), over 6 million Americans live within 3 miles of a refinery. Studies show that these communities experience significantly higher rates of respiratory diseases, cancer, and premature deaths compared to national averages.
This article identifies 10 U.S. neighborhoods most at risk from refinery pollution, examines the health impacts, and discusses environmental justice implications backed by the latest data and maps.
How Refineries Impact Nearby Residents
Refineries emit numerous hazardous air pollutants (HAPs) including:
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Benzene — a known carcinogen linked to leukemia; refinery emissions can be up to 100 times higher than urban background levels near facilities.
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Sulfur dioxide (SO2) — triggers asthma attacks and aggravates lung disease; communities near refineries often face SO2 levels exceeding EPA limits.
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Particulate matter (PM2.5) — fine particles linked to heart and lung disease, causing an estimated 100,000 premature deaths annually in the U.S. (American Lung Association).
Research from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) finds residents within 3 miles of refineries have a 15-30% higher risk of hospitalization for respiratory conditions compared to those living farther away.
Mapping U.S. Neighborhoods Near Refineries
Using data from the EPA’s Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) and the American Community Survey, neighborhoods are assessed based on:
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Distance from refinery emissions points
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Reported ambient pollution levels
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Socioeconomic vulnerability index (factors like income, race, age)
Studies show that neighborhoods within 1-2 miles of refineries experience pollution levels 2 to 5 times above national averages, and often have higher proportions of minority and low-income residents.
Top 10 U.S. Neighborhoods Most at Risk from Nearby Refineries (with Specific Refineries)
1. Manchester, Houston, TX
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Refineries: ExxonMobil Baytown Refinery, LyondellBasell Houston Refinery, Shell Deer Park Refinery (within ~10 miles), plus numerous chemical plants and petrochemical complexes.
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Air pollution levels in Manchester exceed EPA limits on SO2 by up to 500% on some days.
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Health data: Asthma hospitalizations are 2.5 times higher than Houston average.
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Demographics: Over 85% Hispanic or Black residents, many below poverty line.
2. West Oakland, Oakland, CA
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Refinery: Chevron Richmond Refinery (~4 miles north), plus smaller petroleum storage terminals.
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Cancer risk from air toxics here is twice the state average (CalEPA).
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Children’s asthma rates are nearly 3 times higher than California average.
3. Cancer Alley, Baton Rouge, LA (Norco, Reserve)
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Refineries: Shell Norco Refinery, Motiva Norco Refinery, and others within the 85-mile industrial corridor.
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Louisiana’s Cancer Registry reports cancer rates 20-30% higher than national average.
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Communities are predominantly African American and face significant socioeconomic challenges.
4. South Park, Seattle, WA
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Refinery: Marathon Anacortes Refinery (Seattle’s main refinery is Marathon located nearby in Anacortes; South Park is near multiple industrial zones including oil terminals and some refinery operations).
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SO2 levels regularly exceed EPA standards during refinery flares.
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Asthma prevalence in children is 10-15% higher than Seattle average.
5. East Baltimore, MD
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Refinery: ExxonMobil Bayway Refinery (near Baltimore area), plus several chemical plants around Baltimore Harbor.
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Elevated airborne benzene detected, linked to increased leukemia rates.
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Low-income population with limited access to healthcare.
6. Bayview-Hunters Point, San Francisco, CA
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Refinery: Chevron Richmond Refinery affects air quality despite being ~10 miles away; local pollution also from shipping and port operations.
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Average PM2.5 concentrations are 30% higher than San Francisco citywide.
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Community-led air monitoring projects document ongoing pollution spikes.
7. Port Arthur, TX
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Refineries: Motiva Port Arthur Refinery (largest in the U.S.), TotalEnergies Port Arthur Refinery, and Sasol Wax Plant.
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Residents report respiratory symptoms at rates 50% above state average.
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High rates of poverty and unemployment exacerbate health vulnerabilities.
8. Duwamish Valley, Seattle, WA
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Refineries: Shell Anacortes Refinery (regionally relevant), plus multiple heavy industrial facilities and terminals in the Duwamish industrial corridor.
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Cancer risk from combined industrial emissions is elevated by 40% (EPA EJSCREEN).
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Environmental cleanup efforts ongoing but concerns remain high.
9. South Philadelphia, PA
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Refineries: Philadelphia Energy Solutions Refinery (closed in 2019 but legacy pollution remains), plus multiple chemical plants and ports.
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Air pollution linked to a 25% increase in respiratory hospital admissions.
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Demographically diverse with pockets of economically disadvantaged groups.
10. East St. Louis, IL
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Refineries: Citgo Wood River Refinery, HollyFrontier Wood River Refinery (nearby in Roxana, IL), plus chemical manufacturing plants.
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Air quality monitoring shows elevated benzene and PM2.5 levels.
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Ranked among the most polluted cities by the American Lung Association.
Government Regulations & Safety Measures
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The EPA sets National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for pollutants like SO2 and PM2.5, but about 40% of refinery-adjacent communities exceed these limits.
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The Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) reports over 5 million pounds of hazardous chemicals released annually by refineries nationwide.
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Environmental justice programs seek to prioritize enforcement in vulnerable communities, but gaps remain.
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Recent advances include refinery flare monitoring, emissions reduction mandates, and increased community right-to-know efforts.
What Residents Can Do to Protect Themselves
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Monitor local air quality indexes (AQI) via EPA or apps like AirNow.
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Use HEPA air purifiers indoors on high pollution days.
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Advocate for local governments to enforce stricter emission controls.
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Engage with local environmental justice organizations.
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Seek medical advice for respiratory or cancer screening if living near refineries.
Conclusion
Millions of Americans live in neighborhoods at significant risk from refinery pollution. Data confirms elevated health issues in these communities, many of which are historically underserved and vulnerable. Increased awareness, stronger policies, and community action are crucial for safer environments.
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