Louisiana communities living near petrochemical plants have long reported health problems believed to be linked to industrial pollution.

By examining Medicaid data, researchers found elevated rates of several health conditions among children and adults living near petrochemical plants and petroleum refineries.

Researchers want to provide evidence that can inform public health research and policy while creating a model other communities can use to study environmental health risks.

For more than two decades, Virginia Tech professor and Louisiana native Barbara Allen has warned of the health risks associated with living near Louisiana's Cancer Alley.

The 85-mile stretch of land along the Mississippi River is home to numerous petrochemical plants and oil refineries that produce plastics, fuels, and other industrial products.

Allen said residents there and in other industr…