Corpus Christi Residents Grapple with Health Impacts of Growing Up Near Refineries

Stephanie Smith's family has faced cancer, disabilities, and chronic illness, raising questions about environmental exposure

Jan. 29, 2026 at 6:39pm

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Stephanie Smith grew up in Academy Heights, a working-class neighborhood in Corpus Christi, Texas surrounded by oil refineries and petrochemical plants. Born three months premature, Smith's younger sister Margie lived with severe disabilities until her death at 21. Cancer, diabetes, asthma, and other chronic illnesses were common in Smith's family and community. Now 56, Smith wonders if these health issues were tragic coincidences or the result of environmental exposure from living near 'Refinery Row'.

Why it matters

This investigative report sheds light on the potential health consequences for children growing up in close proximity to industrial facilities, an issue that has long concerned residents of Corpus Christi's 'Refinery Row' neighborhood. The story raises important questions about environmental justice and the responsibility of industries to mitigate the impact of their operations on surrounding communities.

The details

Stephanie Smith was born prematurely and her younger sister Margie lived with severe disabilities until her death at 21. Cancer, diabetes, asthma, and other chronic illnesses were common in their family and community, which was surrounded by oil refineries and petrochemical plants. Smith, now 56, wonders if these health issues were caused by environmental exposure from living near 'Refinery Row'.

  • Stephanie Smith was born three months premature.
  • Stephanie's younger sister Margie lived with severe disabilities until her death at 21.
  • Stephanie Smith is now 56 years old and lives 2 hours north of Corpus Christi.

The players

Stephanie Smith

A 56-year-old woman who grew up in the Academy Heights neighborhood of Corpus Christi, Texas, which was surrounded by oil refineries and petrochemical plants. She wonders if the health issues in her family, including her premature birth and her sister's disabilities, were caused by environmental exposure from living near 'Refinery Row'.

Margie

Stephanie Smith's younger sister, who was born with a rare chromosomal disorder and lived with severe disabilities until her death at 21.

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What they’re saying

“were these illnesses tragic coincidences — or the result of environmental exposure?”

— Stephanie Smith

What’s next

This investigative report is just the beginning, and the news outlet will continue looking for answers for Stephanie Smith and others like her who grew up near 'Refinery Row' in Corpus Christi.

The takeaway

This story highlights the urgent need to investigate the potential health impacts on children growing up in close proximity to industrial facilities, and to hold companies accountable for mitigating the environmental consequences of their operations on surrounding communities.