West Virginia’s history is long on placing private sector profits over the public’s health. (Governor Justices recent appointment of former coal company officials to the Public Service Commission would only reinforce that point.) As a result, the state figures to be among the worst on most state-by-state comparisons of health-related issues. For examples, the World Population Review lists West Virginia as having the 4th worst air quality and the 4th highest cancer rate in the nation.

To help in assessing these risks, ProPubica is out with an excellent new tool to aid individuals in seeing what and where the risks are:

ProPublica undertook an analysis that has never been done before. Using advanced data processing software and a modeling tool developed by the Environmental Protection Agency, we mapped the spread of cancer-causing chemicals from thousands of sources of hazardous air pollution across the country between 2014 and 2018. The result is an unparalleled view of how toxic air blooms around industrial facilities and spreads into nearby neighborhoods.

Here’s their tweet:

New: Using the EPA’s data, we mapped the spread of cancer-causing industrial air emissions down to the neighborhood level. Look up your home to see if you and your loved ones are living in a hot spot. https://t.co/k9j9Wyx4dY

— ProPublica (@propublica) November 2, 2021

(For instance: if you click on the link, you'll see ProPublica's assessment of how much Arcelormittal in Weirton or AEP’s Mitchell Power Plant adds to the local cancer risk.)

Additionally, the state’s non-profit news source, Mountain State Spotlight will be collaborating on a story with ProPublica about the Charleston area:

We’re working on a story with @ProPublica about industrial pollution and health effects in the South Charleston and Institute area. Share your tips or stories with our reporters here: https://t.co/MuSmidL2eK pic.twitter.com/H7y1qJbZw2

— Mountain State Spotlight (@mtnstspotlight) November 3, 2021