The U.S. Justice Department announced Tuesday that it has filed a lawsuit against a chemical manufacturer in Louisiana, accusing the manufacturer of discharging hazardous substances from its manufacturing facilities and threatening the public health of nearby, predominantly black communities.

Pushing the news: The complaint, filed on behalf of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), alleges that the plant, operated by Denka Performance Elastomer LLC, produces high levels of neoprene emissions that increase cancer risks.

Details: Chlorobutadiene is a liquid ingredient used in the production of synthetic rubber, which in turn is used in products such as laptop covers, wetsuits, and hoses. It is emitted into the air from various areas of Denka's plant in LaPlace, Louisiana.

According to the Justice Department, air monitoring conducted by the EPA and Denka has consistently shown that long-term chlorobutadiene concentrations in the air near the facility are up to 14 times the recommended level for a 70-year exposure life.

The EPA and Justice Department are trying to force Danka to significantly reduce the amount of chlorobutadiene in the air around the parish community of St. John the Baptist, which is 59 percent black.

In addition, about 20 percent of the population living within 2.5 miles of Danka is under the age of 18. The study found that children accumulate an excessive lifetime cancer risk by inhaling chlorobutadiene at a faster rate than adults.

What they mean: "Every community, regardless of its demographics," should be able to breathe clean air and drink clean water, "Deputy Attorney General Vanita Gupta said in a statement.

Epa Administrator Michael Regan, who visited the borough in 2021, added: "The company has not taken sufficient action to reduce emissions or ensure the safety of surrounding communities.".

The Associated Press noted that local activists have long fought for cleaner air in the region and called out Danka's action in particular.

"This action is not the first step we will take to reduce the risk to the parishioners of St. John the Baptist, and it will not be the last," Reagan said.

Denka, a Japanese company, bought the plant in 2015, according to the Associated Press. A spokesman didn't immediately respond to a request for comment.

And don't forget: People of color are more likely than whites to live near toxic sites and therefore suffer more negative health effects.

A 2021 analysis of government data found that people of color, especially blacks, are disproportionately exposed to pollution from nearly every major U.S. source of emissions, regardless of where they live or their income.

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