Shelby Rodriguez's Fight

by Libby Pelham | More from this Blogger

04 Nov 2009 04:18 PM

Today, more and more people are looking for green solutions for housing. Shelby and John Rodriguez were looking to rent a home when they stumbled upon The Arbors at Antelope, a community outside Sacramento, Calif. The brochure for the housing development read "Think Green. Be Green." The only problem is Shelby didn't realize she would be green - with nausea!

Shelby spent most of the day at home with then four year old daughter Elise. Things were fine until both started getting sick. Both were constantly sick and Shelby, who was suffering from nose sores and a sore throat, was diagnosed with intermittent asthma. Others in the neighborhood suffered from similar illnesses.

So what was the problem? The neighborhood was in the mist of a three year re-roofing project. Shelby noticed the fumes and asked the doctor if her problems could be due to the asphalt fumes. When he said yes, she started doing her research. She then contacted both state representatives and environmental groups for help. One agency she contacted was the Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District. They felt that the frequency of the tar application along with the length of the project was a concern.

Eventually, Shelby convinced the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to create a report specifically for The Arbors residents, stating that the asphalt contained chemicals that could be harmful. Still, when she approached owners about changing to a less-toxic material, they refused.

Shelby kept fighting, posting flyers around the neighborhood about the potential hazards of the tarring. The company eventually decided to use an asphalt kettle with an afterburner to help reduce fumes. Shelby felt that still wasn't enough and after a community meeting earlier this year, The Arbors spokesman issued a statement which read "There is no proof that [the prior] method would create any health hazards. But as a result of her concerns, we are also looking for alternatives." The owners have said they will meet with representatives from the Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District to come up with a suitable plan.

(This image is a work of a sailor or employee of the U.S. Navy, taken or made during the course of the person's official duties. As a work of the U.S. federal government, the image is in the public domain.)

Learn more about Libby Pelham

Libby Pelham is a work-at-home mom located in Jacksonville, NC. She has a beautiful little boy, Will, born in July of 2004.

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