Dredging the Hudson River
For the past year, the subject of polychlorinated biphenyls in the Hudson River and what should be done about them has been discussed by politicians and residents all over the capital region. Often the top story on the local news, the front page headline of the newspaper, the subject of a special on television, or the reason for a town meeting, dredging has become a much debated topic. With all the information being exchanged and opinions published, it is easy for the average person to become confused. In an attempt to make things clear, the following report defines dredging, PCBs, and presents a short discussion of each side of the Hudson River dredging debate.
POLYCHLORINATED BIPHENYLS
Webster's Dictionary defines polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) as any of several compounds that are produced by replacing hydrogen atoms in biphenyl with chlorine, having various industrial applications and are poisonous environmental pollutants that tend to accumulate in animal tissue. They have a high resistance to excessive temperatures and do not disingrate in water. Because of these qualities, they can be useful in paints, lubricants, and most commonly, as a dielectric in capacitors.
Unfortunately, PCBs are hazardous to human and animal health, as well as to the environment. In studies published by the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), the following health concerns are related to the ingestion of PCB's in people:
Reproductive functions may be disrupted by exposure to PCBs.
Neurobehavioral and developmental deficits occur in newborns and through school-aged children who had in utero exposure to PCBs.
Liver disease and diabetes, and effects on the thyroid and immune systems...
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"EPA outlines dredging plan." MSNBC. 12 December 00. 25 February 2001. http://www.msnbc.com/local/wnyt/77805.asp
Hudson Voice. "Web Site." 27 February 2001. http://www.hudsonvoice.com
Huskie, Stephen J. "Dredging channels water courses' economic, environmental effects." American City Business Journals Inc. 19 October 1998. 18 February 2001.
"Polychlorinated biphenyls." Webster's Dictionary.
"Survey says Hudson Valley residents support dredging of PCBs in river." Capital District Business Review. 16 November 2000. 26 February 2001.
United States. Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. Public Health Implications of Exposure to Polychlorinated Biphenyls. 13 August 1999. 18 March 2001.
United States. Environmental Protection Agency. PCBs 101- A PCB Primer.
15 December 2000. 27 February 2001.
The Great Pacific Garbage Patch is the largest garbage dump in the world. According to estimates made by experts, the patch holds approximately three and a half million tons of garbage. Majority of this garbage is made of plastic. This waste is a threatening problem to the patch’s surrounding wildlife. Many animals are caught in the floating pieces of trash and it is the cause of the deaths of about one million birds and about one hundred thousand other sea animals. Due to the oceans nature and constant moving currents, the trash is also constantly moving. Therefore the size of the patch never stays the exact same. However, scientists believe it be approximately two times the size of Texas. The plastic is mostly broken down from larger materials into small pieces. The patch has been referred to as one scientist as a, “plastic soup”. This garbage poses such a threat mainly because it does not biodegrade. These plastics will be in the ocean essentially forever. Many plastics also contain chemicals, and absorb other chemicals and pollutants they become exposed to. These newly absorbed toxins are then leaked and distributed back into the ocean over time. The chemicals can directly enter the bodies of the animals which consume them. A study was being conducted by scientists of the fish that inhabit the area around the patch. What the researchers found inside the belly of one fish (that was no larger in size than that of a finger), was eighty four small fragments of plastic. It does not take scientists to recognize the impact of this problem, Zach Gold, who is sixteen, is from Santa Monica California. Zach enjoys s...
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EPA. (2009, December 29). Retrieved January 15, 2011, from Toxicity and Exposure Assessment for Children's Health: http://www.epa.gov/teach/
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Eliminate sources of dioxin and other persistent organic pollutants (POPs) including PVC, and ensure legislation to prevent toxic waste dumping.
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Most people fear that BPA will have negative effects on their health, such as reproductive issues and cancer.... ... middle of paper ... ...2014. The 'Standard' of the 'Standard'. http://www.onlineeducation.net/bottled_water/water_full.jpg>.
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