Nearly a Fifth of U.S. Parks Close to Toxic Waste Sites, Study Finds

Researchers at the University of Michigan have mapped the locations of public parks across the United States in relation to sites containing toxic waste and chemicals. The study cross-referenced data from over 150,000 public parks, ranging from national parks to local playgrounds and trails, with two Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) designations: Superfund sites, where toxic waste has been improperly disposed of, and Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) sites, which handle hazardous chemicals.

The findings indicate that nearly a fifth, or 18%, of U.S. public parks are situated within two miles of a Superfund site. This translates to 26,886 parks, with 2,442 of those parks having land that directly overlaps with a Superfund site.

The proximity to TRI sites presents an even more widespread concern. More than half, 52.6%, of the nation's public parks are within two miles of a TRI site, and 9.3% of parks have TRI sites either overlapping their boundaries or located within a half mile.

While precise health impacts on a park-by-park basis are difficult to ascertain with current data, researchers noted that proximity to hazardous waste sites is linked to an increased risk of adverse health effects, including birth defects, cardiovascular disease, and neurological conditions. The study authors hope their findings will inform public health research, encourage environmental advocacy, and guide policymakers in improving urban planning for healthier parks and advocating for better environmental remediation.