Carla Johnson grew up on a farm in small-town Alabama. After an untreated bout of pneumonia in her 20s, Carla’s lungs didn’t heal properly, leaving scarring behind. Now she suffers from a lung condition called bronchiectasis, which makes it difficult for her to be outdoors — especially
Jonathan and Jana Green live and work in Birmingham, Ala. with their two children. Jana grew up in Goldwater, Ala. and later attended Samford University. Jonathan went to law school Samford, where the two would eventually meet. Their children both have asthma, a medical condition that is made worse by
Rob Burton grew up outside New York City, an area known for its poor air quality. Rob also has Cystic Fibrosis, a life-threatening genetic disorder that affects lung function.
When he moved to Birmingham, Ala., to be closer to family, he investigated the air quality compared
Edward Bowser is a community engagement specialist with the Alabama Media Group. In his column on al.com, he writes regularly about “agents of change” — folks who are doing work to make the Magic City a healthier, nicer and more compelling place to live. In his role as a voice
Cheryl Brown and Lillie Doss Ford discuss the health effects of living in Collegeville, a neighborhood in Birmingham known for having severe air pollution.
Cheryl and Lillie are featured in the upcoming documentary short film, “Toxic City: Birmingham’s Dirty Secret.” In this clip, they share their