America's Most Toxic Ghost Town: The Sinister History of Picher, Oklahoma

America's most toxic ghost town is in the Picher, near Oklahoma and Kansas. It was previously known as a booming town in the 1900s. However, the mining of lead and zinc ore brought significant damage to people's health and the area, causing massive amounts of waste.

Picher was known for being a booming town in Oklahoma. However, it has become a ghost town with massive toxic waste due to mining zinc and lead. According to the historical accounts, the place Picher came from the owner of the Picher Lead Company. It slowly boomed in population, reaching about 9,000.

The emergence of zinc and lead mining can harm the environment and water security. When they are released into the oceans or communities, it can affect the crops, health, water sources, and food security.

As a result, mitigation control is crucial to prevent the spill or leakage of toxic waste into the environment.

America's Most Toxic Ghost Town

(Photo : by Brandi Simons/Getty Images)
Picher, Oklahoma tornado in 2008. The Picher town in Oklahoma used to be a bustling place in the 1900s. However, the lead and zinc mining industry took a toll on the town, causing widespread toxic waste. Now, it is a ghost town. In 2008, a deadly tornado hit the city. The EF-4 tornado rampaged the area, causing the remaining residents to abandon the place. With the catastrophic events, the population became zero.

The operation of mines in the area resulted in the abandonment of Picher, Oklahoma City. Around 1926, the city became populous, reaching over 14,000 people.

In 1983, the city opened up more opportunities for people buying land or properties in the area. Mining became an important source of labor for the people in the community.

The increasing mining activity can cause widespread toxic waste from ore, lead, and zinc. The devastating toxic waste can impact people's health in the area.

However, mining began to decline in the area in the 1980s. The workers moved to nearby towns as some residents suffered from the health effects of lead. In the same year, only 2,000 residents were left.

In 2008, a deadly tornado hit the city. The EF-4 tornado rampaged the area, causing the remaining residents to abandon the place. With the catastrophic events, the population became zero.

Now, Picher, Oklahoma, is recognized as a ghost town with toxic waste. Lead poisoning has become alarming for people's health, and the poisonous waste causes neurological problems for many residents.

From the images, people can see the abandoned infrastructures and homes in Picher. People were evacuated to avoid prolonged exposure to health risks.

Also Read: Are EV Cars Better For the Environment? Can It Solve Toxic Air Pollution and Respiratory Problems?

How Mining Affects Communities

Mining can bring devastating effects on the environment and nearby communities. According to experts, mining can significantly affect local communities and people, causing them to leave their land and livelihood.

Water can become contaminated, affecting humans and animals. Flooding can also occur due to widespread deforestation.