Sorry to hear about this, Linda! I wish alternative energy or conservation
was more of a priority. The widespread failure to think abstractly about
the future is alarming.
-----Original Message-----
From: Gardens & Gardening [mailto:GARDENS@LSV.UKY.EDU] On Behalf Of Linda
Baranowski-Smith
Sent: Wednesday, June 30, 2004 11:57 AM
To: GARDENS@LSV.UKY.EDU
Subject: Re: Pesticides on produce
What is it we don't understand about the word "toxic"? I struggle
with this question from the standpoint of having been a toxicologist.
Debbie hit the nail right-on about the little-paid-attention-to
surprise of long-term exposure. I don't have an essay to share on
pesticides on or in produce. It's a useless lecture because very few
think of the consequences for the future; it's a political and
economic issue for the present.
I'm in conflict with local officials about a coke plant (making coal
into coke) that is about to be built along Lake Erie. The EPA rushed
a permit through channels so the plant does not have to deal with
tight restrictions. It will create 100 new jobs for the economy,
lots of money for the city to support building new schools, and
millions of pounds of air pollution, including mercury.
There will only be a "little bit of toxicity" resulting from the
emissions, say the officials, a "tolerable" amount. And, think of
those jobs to boost the economy! I say there will be even more jobs
for the respiratory technology industry and hospitals and morticians
from premature deaths.
The air emissions will settle on our land, our crops, my veggie
garden. The mercury will go out over Lake Erie and become a part of
the fisheries' nightmare and into the food chain ad nauseam. What is
it we don't understand about the word "toxic"?
--
Linda, gardening in NW Ohio near Toledo / Lake Erie (USDA Zone 5)
Metrofarm known as Blue Clay Plantation
llbs@accesstoledo.com
blueclay2@accesstoledo.com
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Gardens are a form of autobiography.
--Sydney Eddison
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Gardens are a form of autobiography.
--Sydney Eddison
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