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AJC Continuing Coverage

Protesters demand closure of Sterigenics Smyrna plant

08/02/2019 -- Smyrna, Georgia -- Sherry Corey (right) and Laura Barnes (center) protest against Sterigenics near the Sterigenics plant in Smyrna, Friday, August 2, 2019. (Alyssa Pointer/alyssa.pointer@ajc.com)
By Meris Lutz
Aug 2, 2019

“Dirty air, they don’t care!” about a dozen protesters chanted Friday morning at the intersection of Plant Atkinson and Atlanta Road in Smyrna.

They were demonstrating against a nearby medical sterilization plant owned by Sterigenics after reports raised concerns over carcinogenic emissions at the facility. 

“We’re here today to let our neighbors know what they can do to get involved and to also demand from our government leaders that they close this plant down,” said Bridget Kurt, who lives about a mile from the facility. She was wearing an orange “Stop Sterigenics” shirt and carrying a sign with the same message.

State leaders are scheduled to discuss the plant today after outrage triggered by a joint report by Georgia Health News and WebMD revealed regulators had failed to inform residents of elevated cancer risks.

About the Author

Meris Lutz is a contributing writer covering climate, the environment and the economy. She is particularly interested in stories that explore the intersections between climate change and labor, markets, health, biodiversity, government transparency and public access to natural resources.

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