Oral History Interview: Francine and Eddie Ishmael

Background and Introduction

Francine Ishmael, daughter of Margaret Louise Williams (president of Citizens Against Toxic Exposure), and Eddie Ishmael, born and raised in Pensacola, Florida, discuss their experiences with environmental contamination in their community.

Francine Ishmael's Early Life and Awareness

Francine grew up in Pensacola and moved to Gainesville for 15.5 years. Regular conversations with her mother revealed community concerns about air and water quality due to nearby superfund sites. This led to the formation of Citizens Against Toxic Exposure in 1992.

Margaret Louise Williams and CATE

Margaret Williams became the president of CATE because of her love for the community. She aimed to address the health issues caused by the proximity to two contaminated sites, making a significant impact by involving stakeholders to seek resolution.

Eddie Ishmael's Childhood and Exposure

Eddie Ishmael, 71, grew up near downtown Pensacola in an area called Golden Goulding, adjacent to an agrichemical company. His extended family farmed in the area, unknowingly benefiting from the toxic fertilizers. He recalls playing in the "yellow fog" without understanding its toxicity.

Health Issues and Medical Background

Eddie developed autoimmune disease, asthma, and diabetes. He became interested in medicine, working in a teaching hospital and later as a lead technician at the Gulf Region Poison Center. This gave him specific training in poison information.

Relocation and Realization of Toxic Exposure

Eddie moved back to his family's inherited house and began to notice the etching on the windowpanes from chemical releases. His severe asthma, which once nearly killed him, and other autoimmune problems were likely linked to the toxic exposure.

Involvement with CATE and Community Education

Eddie joined CATE to educate the community about the toxic exposures. He helped translate complex chemical information into layman's terms to explain the impact of contaminated soil and water.

The Issue of Water Contamination

Francine mentions the EPA's perplexing statement that water doesn't travel across the street, implying no contamination concern, which she refutes, stating that contamination does spread.

Second Relocation and Community Division

The second group of homeowners across from the Escambia Treating Company underwent a separate relocation after discovering contamination. The relocation process was inconsistent, causing division within the communities, partially due to the properties being deemed more commercial than residential.

Lack of Relocation Policy

This was the first African American relocation project in the country, and the EPA lacked a specific policy for such a community. The relocation was unlike the Love Canal situation, and after the relocation, a large hole was excavated at the original site, despite claims of no contamination.

Mitigation Efforts and Corporate Impact

Mitigation efforts are ongoing, funded by previous administrations, to address water contamination in the Clorinda Triangle. Corporations often target African American communities due to their limited resources and perceived lower resistance.

Inconsistent Compensation

Compensation varied significantly even within the same area, with Baby Park residents being treated more fairly with well capping rather than property relocation.

Medical Monitoring Program

A medical monitoring program, modeled after Love Canal, was established with Lois Gibbs' support. It aimed to provide resources for medical co-pays and education on self-care in a contaminated environment.

Loss of Medical Monitoring Funds

A $2,000,000 medical monitoring fund was returned to ConocoPhillips, which Francine considered humiliating. This loss prevented long-term health support for residents who would develop diseases later in life due to the exposures.

Legal and Organizational Challenges

The funds were managed by lawyers rather than CATE, leading to a conflict of interest. As a grassroots organization, CATE had limited resources to fight against corporations like ConocoPhillips.

Health Studies and Self-Reported Illnesses

A study with the Escambia County Health Department collected self-reported information on illnesses in the community. Respiratory problems, cancers, birth defects, and reproductive issues were prevalent. Difficulties in linking specific chemicals to health conditions hampered formal documentation.

Community Health Environment Project

The project aimed to provide basic exams and gather self-reported information about health conditions. Out of 6,000 individuals listed, about half participated. Early detection of prostate cancer was one positive outcome.

Types of Illnesses

Documented self-reported illnesses, including respiratory problems, cancers, birth defects (e.g., enlarged hand, facial deformity), and reproductive issues, were prevalent.

Increased Awareness of Toxic Chemicals

People are now more aware of the dangers of toxic chemicals in everyday products. This heightened awareness could potentially force the government to take more appropriate actions in similar situations.

Depleted Uranium

The fertilizer plant used depleted uranium when it first opened. After they found out, this information was removed from the internet, which was immediately taken off immediately. This practice may explain the higher cancer rates in the area.

Community Hesitancy

Some residents were hesitant to join efforts to ensure air, water, and soil safety. Technical grants and experts were used to analyze and present information in an understandable way.

Government Divide and Conquer Tactics

The government offered different incentives to each community, preventing them from uniting. EPA held individualized talks instead of open forums, which CATE opposed, leading to a confrontation and a demand for open communication.

Unfair Relocation Process

The relocation process lacked standardization, with inconsistent compensation for properties. Government appraisers lowballed properties due to contamination. Some residents got decent settlements, while others faced financial hardships, including taking out mortgages.

Inadequate Home Inspections

Homes provided during relocation were sometimes in poor condition with gas leaks and structural issues. The federal government's inadequate inspections created animosity, and residents unfairly blamed Margaret Williams.

Unequal Treatment and Lack of Guidelines

An official with the Corps of Engineers shared a story of a Caucasian woman receiving full relocation benefits despite moving out before the process began. These inconsistencies highlighted the lack of proper guidelines and knee-jerk decisions affecting residents' lives.

Personal Experiences with Contamination

The Ishmaels recount their experiences with contaminated fruits, yellow dust on windows, and health issues like asthma and reproductive problems. These personal experiences underscore the pervasive impact of the contamination.

Escambia Treating Company Bankruptcy

The Escambia Treating Company went bankrupt, and its liability insurance policy of over $2,000,000 disappeared. There was no one accountable for issues associated with the company, as it was sold to community members who also went bankrupt soon after.

Sharing Information Effectively

Margaret Williams communicated effectively without using foul language, speaking with grace and truth. Eddie emphasizes that toxic exposure isn't just a local problem but a widespread issue due to chemicals in food and clothing.

Increased Awareness and Food Choices

There is growing awareness of toxic chemicals, leading to better food choices. Francine mentions the Yucca app for analyzing food product contents. She now prefers cooking at home to control ingredients.

Personal Care Products and Clothing

Francine avoids makeup and hair dye to minimize exposure to harmful chemicals. There are concerns about clothing products and their impact on the environment, particularly regarding dyes and plastics, which are major pollutants.

The Role of Education and Advocacy

Exposure to toxicity transforms individuals into scientists, policy analysts, and regulatory experts. Both Francine and Eddie emphasize the importance of understanding pollutants and their connection to health.

Eddie's Expertise in Toxicology

Eddie's work at the Gulf Region Poison Center provided him with extensive knowledge of toxicology. The center's work included distributing "Mister Yuck" stickers and addressing various exposure incidents. He was trained by toxicologist Dr. George Wood.

Community Education and CDC Conflicts

Eddie shared toxicity information with the community to help them manage their health. However, he lost confidence in the CDC after being told to teach only approved information regarding the origin of the flu, specifically that it traveled from birds flying across the north pole, which he knew to be false.

Wilma Subra and Technical Assistance

Scientist Wilma Subra analyzed testing results, breaking down chemical components and their impacts. Eddie then presented this information to the community in understandable terms.

Workshop Offerings

Workshops included box lunches and transportation, especially for the elderly. The medical monitoring program provided transportation to medical providers, eye exams, eyeglasses, and medications.

Water Contamination Statistics

At the time, Escambia County had the eighth dirtiest water in the country. The speakers used humor to cope with the grim realities of their exposure.

Government Responsibility

The government has a responsibility to protect all citizens from toxic chemicals and pollution, ensuring fair treatment regardless of race. Margaret Williams' goal was to unite the community, stakeholders, and government to address these issues.

International Paper Company Workshop

Family members working at the International Paper Company learned how chemicals were entering their homes and causing illnesses. There was resistance to education due to a reliance on the company for jobs and community support.

Community Division and the Need for Unity

The speakers emphasize the need for communities to unite and advocate for better practices instead of accepting pollution in exchange for economic benefits. Do your own research, but read for yourself and come up with interpretation.

Individual Empowerment and Action

They also urge individuals to educate themselves and advocate for change, just as they would for spiritual understanding. It is encouraged to always seek the truth and not just follow the ignorant view.

Margaret Williams' Character and Legacy

Margaret Williams was a compassionate and fierce advocate who worked tirelessly for her community. She remained committed to the cause until her illness, after which Francine continued her work. CATE made a big difference, whether people liked it or not.

Church Involvement and Support

The church, where Margaret and Francine grew up, provided space, resources, and support for CATE's activities. The church benefited from the settlement and supported Margaret's efforts.

The Power of Food and Fellowship

In organizing, the speaker's use food to attract more people and provide the nutrients during dark conversations. Free food is a good way to bring members to the table!

Characteristics of Sulfur Yellow Fog

The yellow sulfur fog affected the area depending on wind direction, often occurring at night. The fog made it in screens and windows because it was so bad it couldn't be scraped off.

Dog Lesions and Pet Safety

Eddie's dog suffered from lesions from contact with the dirt, highlighting further impacts of contamination.

Need for Filter Changing

The interviewees discuss the importance of changing filters in home appliances in relation to staying healthy and safe.

Definition of Justice

Justice would involve compensating all those affected by the relocations, providing fair commercial value for their properties, and ensuring long-term medical monitoring and support.

Uniform Relocation Policy

A uniform relocation policy would be implemented that's based on where people live rather than race, that would provide fair value for all of the damaged parties without a divide and conquer strategy.

Lessons and Advice for Communities

Communities should work together, and governments should respond immediately to environmental emergencies, like the train derailment in Palestine, Ohio.

Environmental Justice and Racism

The speakers emphasize the importance of addressing environmental racism and injustice, ensuring communities least resistant are protected.

Ongoing Issues and Climate Change

There's encouragement to be wary of climate change deniers, since there's a very real chance that it may affect your community.

Francine's Dedication

Francine is dedicated to keeping her mother's legacy alive, recognizing her impact on the community. She still misses her, wishes she knew some words to say to address certain problems, misses her guidance.