Here’s a look at six of Chicago’s most toxic zip codes:

60827 - The city's most toxic neighborhood

One million pounds of chemicals may sound like a lot. But at least it’s less than the 4.5 million pounds of chemicals reportedly released in 2004 in zip code 60827.  Still, with 1,075,989 pounds of toxic chemicals reported to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, this far South Side zip code had the distinction of being the most toxic neighborhood in the city in 2005. 

ISG Riverdale Inc., 13500 S. Perry Ave., a steel-making facility owned by the International Steel Group, reported that it released 1,056,087 pounds of chemicals into this part of the city. Environmental Protection Agency data indicates that zinc compounds comprised nearly half of all chemicals released. 

Zinc is a naturally occurring element. But according to the Agency for Toxic Substance and Disease Registry, a public health agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, exposure to high levels of zinc can be harmful. Short-term, the inhalation of large amounts can cause a disease called “metal fume fever.” Long-term, the agency reports the effects are unknown.

Other facts for zip code 60827:

• Facilities that produce and release air pollutants: 16
• Facilities that have reported toxic releases: 10
• Facilities that have reported hazardous waste activities: 57
• Median household income in 1999 (in dollars): $32,118

60633

Ford Motor Company’s Chicago Assembly Plant, 12600 S. Torrence Ave., was responsible for most of the chemicals released in zip code 60633, the second most toxic Chicago zip code in 2005. Of the 850,171 pounds of chemicals reported as released or transferred in this zip code, more than 800,000 came from the Ford plant.

Of these chemicals, xylenes contributed to more than one-third of the total. Xylene is one of the top 30 chemicals produced in the United States in terms of volume, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.  It is used as a solvent and in the printing, rubber and leather industries.

Although the agency reports there is insufficient information to determine whether or not xylenes cause cancer, it says high levels of exposure can cause headaches, lack of muscle coordination, dizziness and confusion. At very high levels, the agency says it can cause unconsciousness and can sometimes be fatal.

Other facts for zip code 60633:

• Facilities that produce and release air pollutants: 67
• Facilities that have reported toxic releases: 11
• Facilities that have reported hazardous waste activities: 64
• Median household income in 1999 (in dollars): $40,792

60617

According to its Web site, Clean Harbors Environmental Services is one of North America’s leading providers of environmental and hazardous waste management services.  Nationwide, the company says it provides more than 45,000 customers – both private and public – with waste water treatment, emergency response and chemical packing and disposal services.

The company’s Chicago facility, 11800 S. Stony Island Ave., reported releasing or transferring 494,752 pounds of chemicals in 2005.  According to EPA data, chromium compounds comprised the greatest percentage of these chemicals. 

Although some chromium compounds help the body use sugar, protein and fat, other chromium compounds can cause irritation to the nose, kidney and liver damage or, in some cases, death, according to the Department of Health and Human Services.

The World Health Organization, the EPA and the Department of Health and Human Services have determined that chromium (VI) compounds are carcinogenic. EPA data does not specify the types of chromium compounds released by this facility.

Other facts for zip code 60617:

• Facilities that produce and release air pollutants: 96
• Facilities that have reported toxic releases: 15
• Facilities that have reported hazardous waste activities: 186
• Median household income in 1999 (in dollars): $35,534

60623 & 60608

Little Village and Pilsen, two of the city’s largest immigrant neighborhoods, also share zip codes with Chicago’s two coal-burning power plants.  The Crawford Generating Station in Little Village and the Fisk Generating Station in Pilsen each release significant amounts of chemicals into the neighborhoods.  But they are not the only sources of pollution in these areas.  In 2005, EPA data indicates 348,114 pounds of chemicals were released in zip code 60623 and 272,087 pounds were released in 60608.

Neighborhood advocacy groups and local elected officials, in fact, claim the city tolerates more pollution in these areas because they are home to more immigrants and poorer residents compared with other city neighborhoods. The Little Village Environmental Justice Organization even leads monthly “Toxic Tours” to show visitors the many sources of local pollution. 

In 2005, both zip codes ranked among the top five with the highest number of chemical-releasing facilities.

Other facts for zip code 60623:

• Facilities that produce and release air pollutants: 71
• Facilities that have reported toxic releases: 24
• Facilities that have reported hazardous waste activities: 158
• Median household income in 1999 (in dollars): $28,203

Other facts for zip code 60608:

• Facilities that produce and release air pollutants: 127
• Facilities that have reported toxic releases: 22
• Facilities that have reported hazardous waste activities: 252
• Median household income in 1999 (in dollars): $28,026

60614

Today, the Lincoln Park neighborhood is one of city’s most affluent neighborhoods. On the surface, it differs little from the Gold Coast and other Chicago real estate gems.  But it wasn't always this posh.

During the late 1800s and early 1900s, west of Lincoln Park itself and the mansions that lined its borders, manufacturing businesses started emerging near Clybourn Avenue.  Gutmann Leather Co. opened on Webster Avenue in the 1870s. A. Finkl and Sons Co., a steelmaker, moved to the neighborhood in 1902.

Gutmann Leather closed at the end of 2006 and it has been reported that A. Finkl and Sons plans to move out of the area soon.  But these businesses and others helped to establish the area as an industrial corridor – a legacy that is still evident in the businesses that have settled there and the toxins they release.

In 2005, data shows that 335,347 pounds of chemicals were released in zip code 60614, placing it among the 10 most toxic zip codes in the city. But its median household income is more than $30,000 higher than the average of the others on that list.

Other facts for zip code 60614:

• Facilities that produce and release air pollutants: 83
• Facilities that have reported toxic releases: 17
• Facilities that have reported hazardous waste activities: 155
• Median household income in 1999 (in dollars): $68,324