The Love Canal disaster became one of the most significant events in the American environmental movement. In the 1940s, Hooker Chemical Company had dumped over 21,000 tons of hazardous waste in an abandoned canal in Niagara Falls, New York. Over the years, the toxic substances, including dioxins and other carcinogens, seeped into the surrounding soil and groundwater. By the late 1970s, residents began to notice severe health problems, including unusually high rates of cancer, birth defects, and other serious conditions. Local activists, led by Lois Marie Gibbs, helped to bring national attention to the plight of the families living in Love Canal.

The environment at Love Canal was characterized by decaying neighborhood infrastructure compounded by the toxic legacy beneath. The situation escalated when numerous reports of health issues emerged, prompting an extensive investigation by federal and state agencies. On August 7, 1978, President Jimmy Carter responded to the public outcry by declaring a federal emergency. This allowed the federal government to fund clean-up efforts, relocating affected families and providing medical assistance.

The Love Canal incident marked a turning point in environmental policy in the United States. It prompted widespread media coverage and conversation about environmental hazards, leading to greater public awareness and the growth of the environmental movement. Additionally, it provided a critical case study that influenced legislation—and ultimately led to the establishment of the Environmental Protection Agency's Superfund program, aimed at cleaning up contaminated sites across the nation.