Love Canal Environmental Crisis Overview

The Love Canal disaster involved the dumping of toxic waste by Hooker Chemical Company in Niagara Falls, leading to severe health issues and environmental damage. The crisis prompted community action, government intervention, and the establishment of the Superfund program. Despite cleanup efforts, concerns about safety persist, with ongoing legal actions and debates about the area's rehabilitation.

What was the primary reason for President Carter declaring a state of emergency in Love Canal?

• Political unrest

• Economic crisis

• Discovery of toxic chemicals

• A natural disaster

Who was instrumental in organizing the Love Canal Homeowners Association?

• President Carter

• The EPA

• Governor Hugh Cary

• Lois Gibbs

What did the EPA's preliminary study in 1980 suggest about the residents of Love Canal?

• They had increased chromosomal abnormalities

• They had no health issues

• They were immune to the chemicals

• They had a higher IQ

What legislation was enacted as a result of the Love Canal crisis?

• Clean Air Act

• Superfund legislation

• Endangered Species Act

• Safe Drinking Water Act

What was the main purpose of the Superfund legislation?

• To create new jobs in Niagara Falls

• To provide housing for displaced residents

• To build new chemical plants

• To fund the cleanup of toxic waste sites

What was discovered by a city crew in 2011 near the Love Canal landfill?

• A pocket of chemical waste

• An ancient artifact

• A natural spring

• A new residential area

What was the community's reaction to the repopulation of the Love Canal area?

• They welcomed it

• They supported it financially

• They ignored it

• They protested against it

What was the outcome of the follow-up study on Love Canal residents?

• Higher rate of chromosomal abnormalities

• Decreased life expectancy

• No higher rate of chromosomal abnormalities

• Increased intelligence

What was the main concern of activists like Lois Gibbs regarding the Love Canal area?

• The area was too expensive

• The area was still not safe

• The area was too remote

• The area was too crowded

What did the EPA and state investigators conclude about the chemical waste discovered in 2011?

• It was isolated and not a danger

• It was beneficial to the environment

• It was a hoax

• It was a new threat