Lessons from the Love Canal

Population Health Plug-In

In the spring of 1978, when she was just 27 years old, Lois Gibbs discovered that her home and those of her neighbors in Love Canal were sitting next to 20,000 tons of toxic chemicals. Ms. Gibbs brought public attention to the environmental crisis in Love Canal. She helped organize the Love Canal Homeowners Association and after a 2 year struggle, her efforts led to the relocation of over 800 residents and forced the government and companies responsible for the toxic waste to clean up the area. Ms. Gibbs share lessons learned from Love Canal and her current work with the Center for Health, Environment and Justice.