Health concerns crucial for port

Re “L.A. harbor commission OKs terminal expansion,” Dec. 7

The article on expansion of the terminal at the Port of Los Angeles describes job creation and increased tax revenue as outcomes.

But what about the estimated $19 billion a year California spends for the medical care and premature deaths caused by the ports and the movement of goods across the state by dirty trucks, trains and ships? These vehicles emit toxins that increase cancer and heart disease risks, respiratory illnesses and adverse birth outcomes in area communities.

The fact that the expansion will increase emissions in the near term, thus allowing surrounding communities to continue to breathe unhealthy, toxic air, is unacceptable. One way to hold local leaders accountable for this is to advocate for full implementation of the ports’ Clean Air Action Plan.

An equally important set of questions is whether the jobs created by the expansion pay a living wage, offer health insurance and benefit the local community.

Until the public’s health and economic welfare are placed on par with those of business and international trade, the above questions will likely remain unanswered.

Katherine Attar

Los Angeles

The writer is the coordinator of the Health and Environment Program of Physicians for Social Responsibility-Los Angeles.