Homeless suffer oil effects in Battle Creek

Environmental disasters often affect those the most who do not have the means to escape them. Those without financial resources are left to endure the harmful affects of their environment, while those with more means are better equipped to weather adversity. During Hurricane Katrina, we saw how the low-income population had less resources to leave New Orleans before and after the Hurricane hit. They were left to suffer the consequences of the disaster.

In Battle Creek, the homeless population who live near the river are becoming ill from inhaling the fumes from the recent oil spill. From the Battle Creek Enquirer:

Two homeless men stood in a forgotten patch of woods under an M-66 bridge, just a stone's throw away from the oil-infested Kalamazoo River.

"It's hurt my breathing," said Greg Knight, one of the men who stores his belongings and sleeps under the bridge. "All day long, I smell this ... It's hurting my chest. I can't deal with this."

Around them, cloth, bedding and household items were strewn about the camp in an incomprehensible mess. The smell of oil hung in the air. Above them, drivers passing in and out of Battle Creek likely were oblivious to the men's plight.

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"We've been getting sick a couple days," said Ed, one of the men who live under M-66. "We went to the shelter because we couldn't take it anymore."

Ed, who preferred not to give his last name, said he's been sick to his stomach. Knight said he has experienced nausea and trouble breathing, and others have been throwing up for days. After noting Knight's bad cough and frail body, Artis asked the two men to check into the shelter.

When considering who to reimburse for the damaging effects of the oil spill, all members of our population should be considered. This includes the homeless population who will need health care to combat the health effects associated with inhaling fumes. We need to talk care of our entire population, and especially those who do not have financial means.

Read the full article: http://www.mlive.com/business/west-michigan/index.ssf/2010/08/follow_the_money_links_teens_f.html