health

Dirty, filthy cities, not the place to grow food? Who Knew???

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Why NYC’s toxic community gardens may give you cancer

May 4, 2014 | 1:33am

Experts warn that vegetables grown at the Sterling Community Group Garden in Crown Heights can be unhealthy — perhaps even deadly — yet the state Department of Health would not release its data until The Post filed a Freedom of Information Law request in March.

The numbers are startling. A lead sample of 1,251 parts per million — triple the federal guideline of 400 ppm — was detected in the Sterling Place patch, along with an arsenic sample of 93.23 ppm, well above the federal threshold of 16 ppm.

“This is insane,” said neuropsychologist Theodore Lidsky, a former state researcher who warned that exposure to lead — at much smaller levels than those found in city plots — can lead to a range of maladies including brain damage, seizures and death.

Local leaders at the Sterling garden said they were not warned of the dangers.

“They didn’t tell us to change the soil,” said Catherine Bryant, 70, who has lovingly tended to the garden for the past decade. She said most of the food — collard greens, cabbage, mustard greens, turnips — is given away for free to anyone who asks.

“That’s a good plot to avoid,” urged Dr. Paul Mushak, a toxicologist and human risk-assessment expert. “In the case of any cancer-causing agent, you really don’t want any sizable exposure.”

But gardeners seemed unaware of any hazard.

“No one has ever gotten sick that we know of,” noted Annie Faulk, 66, who also tends the Sterling Garden patch.

The data come from a first-of-its-kind soil-contaminant study by scientists from the state Center for Environmental Health published in the journal Environmental Pollution earlier this year.

Scientists found lead levels above federal guidelines at 24 of 54 city gardens, or 44 percent of the total. And overall, they found toxic soil at 38 gardens — 70 percent of the total. But the study did not reveal the locations or names of the gardens, and officials were mum, prompting The Post’s March FOIL request.

The worst single soil sample was found in The Bronx at Bryant Hill Garden — where lead was detected at 1531 ppm, new documents revealed.

Gardeners can breathe in lead, which can also get on their clothes and be accidentally ingested by kids playing in the toxic dirt. It can also be sucked up by root vegetables and leafy greens.

The state DOH continues to work to “promote healthy gardening practices,” according to an agency spokeswoman.

“Urban garden soils can contain contaminants that may pose risks to human health, and the nature and extent of contamination in many areas are not well understood,” Marci Natale said.

City Parks Department spokesman Phil Abramson said gardens with “high levels of contaminants” received clean soil after the study.

But experts said federal guidelines for lead are way too high — making the Big Apple data even more troubling.

“The soil that’s in a good garden situation should be well below 40 ppm, said Dr. Howard Mielke, a soil-contamination expert at Tulane University’s medical school.

There are about 1,500 community gardens citywide.

Each toxic garden should come with a warning sign, health advocates demanded.

“This is nothing short of a crime,” said Tamara Rubin, founder of Lead Safe America. “If you poured arsenic or lead into a kid’s milk bottle . . . you’d go to jail. But NYC kids are likely being poisoned by the arsenic and lead in the soil.
”

There is a Lot of Unwarranted Alarmism Concerning Fracking!

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How Risky Is Fracking?

April 28, 2014

Environmentalists have targeted fracking, lambasting it as a danger and an environmental hazard, but those concerns are largely overblown. While there are real risks due to fracking, actual occurrences are rare, say Terry Anderson and Carson Bruno of the Hoover Institution.

The three main concerns with fracking involve water use, water contamination and seismic activity.

  • Water use: There are concerns that fracking will deplete water supplies, as a fracking well uses somewhere between 2 million and 5 million gallons of water, with up to 80 percent of that water staying below the earth’s surface. However, that number needs to be put into perspective — New York City uses 5 million gallons of water in just six minutes. While dry, western states undoubtedly have concerns about water usage, developing water markets and defining property rights would best lead to efficient water use.
  • Water contamination: There is little evidence to support claims that fracturing fluids could contaminate groundwater. Studies from Duke University, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the Environmental Protection Agency all found no evidence of fracking fluid contamination in local water sources. As for methane leakage — the other potential contamination source — studies indicate that high methane levels found near fracking wells are either naturally occurring, or are the product of poor well design, a problem easily remedied.
  • Induced seismic activity: Will fracking cause earthquakes? In theory, it is possible that improper water disposal could cause seismic activity. Even so, it is unlikely that such an earthquake would be significant and would, instead, be felt only by persons at rest.

Moreover, the risks of fracking should always be weighed against the benefits. North Dakota — whose unemployment rate moved only from 3 percent to 4 percent during the Great Recession, largely escaping the problems seen by the rest of the nation — has been at the center of the fracking boom, with oil and gas production rising 58 percent between December 2007 and June 2009.

Oil and gas production due to fracking offers massive benefits to the rest of the economy, not just North Dakota. According to IHS Global Insight, by 2020, fracking could yield an additional $417 billion to the U.S. economy, employing close to 3 million Americans.

Even though fracking risks are rare, they should be addressed. But addressing them does not mean imposing a moratorium on the practice or implementing burdensome regulations.

Source: Terry Anderson and Carson Bruno, “Risky Hydraulic Fracturing?” Hoover Institution, April 15, 2014.

Please Support us at Carmen Krogh’s Talk at University of Waterloo!

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Capture

WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT!

Here is a map of the University.  Parking available.    Please have exact change…($4.00)

We are in Building DC.  About “F” (horizontal) “3” (vertical) approx.

“Visitor parking lots” are shown as black circles.   Coin operated (4 dollars).

From University Ave use lots H, C.

From Columbia use lots M, R (south of Columbia) first, then (farther away, north of Columbia) X.

 

 

 

The Ugly Truth about Industrial Wind in Rural Communities!

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Boone County: Wind turbines affect lifestyles of rural residents

Rock River Times – Randy Williams – April 22, 2014 * Opinion

Impact on Landscape Impact on People Illinois

In bringing wind turbines to Boone County, some are essentially trying to disguise heavy industry as farming. Some have even had the audacity to call their decision to financially benefit from the wind turbines as “freedom to farm.” It would appear, in fact, that they are looking for freedom to have industry.

This letter is intended to share some of the thoughts of a fourth-generation Boone County farmer in regards to the intention of the County to allow, and some neighbors to promote, wind turbines to be built,  Northern Boone County.

It is important to recognize that the residents of this rural area have chosen to live in this rural area – to make their livings and to enjoy their lives – because of the residential and agricultural zoning that allows them separation from densely populated and designated industrial areas. The reason that designated industrial areas exist is to protect residential and agricultural areas from the byproducts associated with heavy industry, such as excessive sound, light, stray voltage, heavy traffic, and so on.

In bringing wind turbines to Boone County, some are essentially trying to disguise heavy industry as farming. Some have even had the audacity to call their decision to financially benefit from the wind turbines as “freedom to farm.” It would appear, in fact, that they are looking for freedom to have industry.

It seems to be not too far of a stretch to say that, if we have industrial turbines, why can’t we bring in some other industry? Maybe a big factory, like Motorola*, where they could make some electronics? If we call it an electronics farm, probably some industrious individuals could then say that qualified also as freedom to farm.

Someone else said, in the newspaper, “this could be Northern Boone County’s Chrysler.” Could it be that Northern Boone County does not need, nor does it want, a Chrysler? Aside from the logistical and financial untruths of this statement, the residents living in Northern Boone County have chosen to live in this rural environment because they enjoy the lifestyle offered here. If they wanted to live in the shadow of such a mecca of industry, they would live there.

So why, then, have some farmers agreed to the preposterous contract allowing wind turbines onto their property? One sentiment that could explain some of these behaviors is this: at a meeting last fall, someone said to the County Board “if you don’t give us these wind turbines, what are you going to do for us?” It seems to me that as a farmer, you are responsible for making a living by farming, not looking to the county to help you find a way to find subsidies, not demanding that the county allow you to benefit at the detriment of the health, financial well-being, and general lifestyles of your neighbors.

Last week, I drove to Spring Valley for some unrelated business which took me right past hundreds of windmills. It was interesting that on a nice, clear, breezy day, no wind turbines were turning, not one. I liken the wind turbines directly to Motorola, the story of the huge factory in Harvard being known only too well in this area, because of the similarity between the exciting promises made in building them, and the disappointing reality of both scenarios. I sadly wonder how much money was being made for those “farmers” from that day’s harvest,” just as I cringe at the supposed prosperity offered by the Motorola company for the communities in McHenry County.

It is my hope that members of the County Board will carefully consider the facts in making their decisions regarding the proposed zoning amendment and not be swayed by the unlikely promises or desperate pleas offered by wind turbine advocates.

Randy Williams

Source: http://rockrivertimes.com/2…

APR222014

 
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Thank you Donna Quixote….
Posted in: NewsPosted: April 29, 2014

Freak Collision With A Wind Turbine Brings Down A Plane Killing 4 In South Dakota

Single Engine Plane Crash In South Dakota

South Dakota surely is abounding with mishaps. After a blizzard wiped out nearly 100,000 cows, a freak accident brought down a plane with 3 on–board passengers.

All 3 passengers, including a person on the ground, died instantly when the plane crashed in South Dakota. The plane is suspected to have collided with a wind turbine at a wind–farm. Debris lay near a wind turbine to the west of South Dakota Highway 47. One of the wind turbines had its blade broken off.

The plane was identified as a single-engine Piper 32, and was traveling from Hereford, Texas, to Gettysburg, South Dakota. The single-engine plane was registered to Donald J. “D.J.” Fischer of Gettysburg, according to the FAA. Though the local authorities haven’t officially released any data, among the deceased was the owner, Fischer, a 30–year, who was believed to be flying the plane himself. Local officials confirmed the identities of 2 other victims: cattlemen Logan Rau and Brent Beitelspacher, who were on the plane. The name of the fourth victim hasn’t been released, though reports indicate his name was Nick Reimann. Beitelspacher and Rau are well-known in the cattle industry, and regularly visited such sales and fairs to trade livestock, reported ABC News

The plane arrived at the Hereford Municipal Airport Saturday and left the next evening, said Hereford City Manager Rick Hanna. Though it crashed in South Dakota, the plane was returning from a big–range cattle sale in Hereford, Texas. The plane broke contact and went missing overnight. The authorities found wreckage on Monday in the South Dakota Wind Energy Center. The wind farm in Hyde County has 27 turbines and only one had its blade broken off, indicating that the plane might have crashed directly into the turbine and then crashing into the ground, reported Amarillo Global News.

While The National Transportation Safety Board is leading the investigation along with the FAA, locals confirmed that the weather was exceptionally foggy and that visibility was poor. Liberal precipitation, combined with fog, might have caused the pilot to lose altitude and misjudge the distance to the ground. Further, owing to the height of the turbine and continual rotation of the blades could have made spotting it difficult. To further complicate the matter, weather reports indicated low–altitude clouds could have extremely complicated the task of maneuvering a single–engine light aircraft. Apparently the South Dakota skies are notorious for causing such mishaps.


Read more at http://www.inquisitr.com/1230244/freak-collision-with-a-wind-turbine-brings-down-a-plane-killing-4-in-south-dakota/#dRymmhW3JHbl4IjT.99

PLAN TO ATTEND! Carmen Krogh’s Talk, at University of Waterloo….

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Talk Announcement:

Speaker: Carmen Krogh
Date: Wed 7 May 2014.  3:30pm.
Place: DC1302 (Davis Center), University of Waterloo
Title: “Harm from Wind Turbines: What Has Been Known for Decades”

Abstract:

 

The topic of adverse health effects associated with wind facilities is globally debated. It is acknowledged that if placed too close to residents, industrial wind turbines can negatively affect the physical, mental and social well-being of some. In addition to the general population, at risk are the vulnerable such as fetuses, babies, children, elderly and those with pre-existing medical conditions. There is published research on the effects of Low Frequency/Infrasound (LFI) on people and animals dating back several decades. This presentation will provide some of the available evidence drawn from peer reviewed literature, authoritative references, and other sources. It is proposed that known risk of harm can be avoided by siting wind facilities a protective distance from residents.

 

Bio:

 

Carmen Krogh is published in peer-reviewed scientific and medical journals and has presented papers at scientific noise conferences. She is an independent, full time volunteer and for almost 6 years has researched health and other effects associated with industrial wind energy facilities and shares information with individuals, communities, authorities, wind energy developers, industry and others. Krogh’s background in health care, vigilance monitoring, editing and publishing helps inform her work. She held senior positions at a major teaching hospital; as a drug information researcher; a professional association and the Health Protection Branch of Health Canada (PMRA). She is a former Director of Publications and Editor-in-chief of the Compendium of Pharmaceuticals and Specialties (CPS), the book used by physicians, nurses, and health professionals for prescribing information on prescription medication in Canada. Her goal is evidence-based siting of IWTs that protects human health.
IMPORTANT NOTICE*****Carmen Krogh’s talk, is open to the public.

Try to attend if at all possible.  Call Shellie @ 905-386-0765 to arrange for carpooling.

Thanks…

Sad News….Ontario losing a Brave Wind Warrior. We Wish You the Best, Esther!

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Moving out: Anti-wind activist leaves Ontario worried for family’s health

FEATURED | FRONT PAGE | NEWS.

Posted April 25, 2014: Featured, Front Page, News.

n-wrightman-leaves-1
Activist Esther Wrightman (right) is leaving the province after losing the fight to stop wind turbines from going up in her backyard.

 

Esther Wrightman feels like she is being evicted from her own home.

The woman who has been at the forefront of the anti-industrial wind turbine movement in Middlesex and Lambton County is moving to New Brunswick.

Wrightman, who heads up the Middlesex-Lambton Wind Concerns group and runs the Ontario Wind Resistance website, put up the for sale sign on her home Tuesday as workers from NextEra continue to put up wind turbines around her home just outside of Warwick. She says it was one of the toughest things she’s ever done. “You feel like you’ve been evicted,” says Wrightman who fears for the health of her family.

“I don’t think we had much of a choice here,” she says. “When you have people in your family with (pre-existing) health problems…you can’t risk it to stay…you have to leave.”

Wrightman has be in the forefront of the fight against a number of projects, including the Bornish and Adelaide projects by NextEra Energy which are right in her backyard. She went to the Ontario Energy Board to try to stop the company from building its transmission wires down the roads in her community, but lost. Now, crews are busy in the neighbourhood putting up one turbine after another.

“It really does make you want to throw up,” she says as she watches the turbines go up in the places which used to be dots on maps in NextEra’s plans. “I know these dots on these maps in my head now, after so many years now – where they are and who they effect …And then you see the dots ripped in the ground…yeah this is exactly what I had imagined. Somewhere in my mind there was a chance it wouldn’t happen…but now it’s holes and concrete… “This is what I thought would happen, but now its worse because it has happened.

“These companies have come in, they won’t be staying as people they’ll be staying as machines but you have to stay and suffer or you have to leave…That does make me angry.”

Wrightman says some of that anger has worn off as she plans to move her family to New Brunswick with her parents. New Brunswick isn’t pursuing wind energy so the family will take its nursery business to the province this summer and start again. The activist may have to return to Ontario. NextEra is suing Wrightman for libel after labeling the company as Next-Terror on line and on placards during some of the dozens of demonstrations she’s been part of. She’s not ready to walk away from that fight.

“They’ve taken my place, taken my home that I was so attached to, and five years of my life fighting,” she says. “I’m determined that they won’t take my right to speak out as a person. I’m determined they won’t take my happiness and they won’t take my health and the health of my family.”

But she admits they have taken away some very precious things – her sense of being rooted in a community and her faith in the political system. “I cannot put any faith in politicians at all…It’s a game and your pawns in their game,” says Wrightman who won’t stay in Ontario to see if an anticipated provincial election will change the situation.

Wrightman says she is concerned for the neighbours she leaves behind and the impression she may leave with others who are still fight projects in their neighbourhoods. “It does look somewhat that I’m pulling up stakes, leaving retreating. I don’t like how it looks. I’m sure the wind companies like it, “ she says. “Some people may say ‘you need to stay you have to stay and help,’ As much as I would like to stay and fight I can’t do that to my family.”

In the end, she says it is a personal choice to leave the province to protect the health of her family. “I’m a voice I’m a single person…this is what happens. We fought, we pushed them back,” she says adding she doesn’t know what to say to others continuing the fight. “When they ask, what could I do, I don’t even know what to tell them – fight government? Fight wind companies? I don’t know. Now, when the wind turbines are up its even harder – it’s almost impossible. They’re not coming down. “It’s a hard pill to swallow.”