The Tons of Particulate Matter 2.5 (PM 2.5) that would be produced from the Adage and Simpson incinerators are a killer.
Is that statement over the top? Hyperbole? An exaggeration? I don't think so.
From a position paper of the American Heart Association, Particulate Matter Air Pollution and Cardiovascular Disease -- An Update to the Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association released in May of this year (Circulation . 2010;121:2331-2378.) we have statements like:
- Exposure to PM 2.5 µm in diameter (PM2.5) over a few hours to weeks can trigger cardiovascular disease–related mortality and nonfatal events...
- Longer-term exposure (eg, a few years) increases the risk for cardiovascular mortality to an even greater extent than exposures over a few days and reduces life expectancy within more highly exposed segments of the population by several months to a few years...
- Several studies suggest that susceptible individuals at greater risk may include the elderly, patients with preexisting coronary artery disease, and perhaps those with diabetes. Recent data suggest that women and obese individuals might also be at higher risk.
- It is the opinion of the writing group that the overall evidence is consistent with a causal relationship between PM2.5 exposure and cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.
- The PM2.5 concentration– cardiovascular risk relationships for both short- and long-term exposures appear to be monotonic, extending below 15 #g/m3 (the 2006 annual NAAQS level) without a discernable “safe” threshold. (translation: There is no safe amount)
And believe me, there is much, much more in the rest of the paper.
If you look back at the cigarette-lung cancer argument, the second hand smoke argument, the low level ionizing radiation argument and others, there is a common pattern. Government regulations, for our protection, always lag far behind current scientific knowledge.
So until the EPA, ORCAA, and the other regulatory bodies catch up, we will have to protect ourselves and families by continuing to do whatever we can to stop the Adage and Simpson incinerators.
Don't forget the DEMONSTRATION Thursday the 29th 5-7 pm at Kneeland Blvd @ Walmart.
Such small particles have a tremendous surface area with which to bind emitted toxins such as dioxin, mercury, lead, arsenic, hydrochloric and sulfurous acids, benzo-furans, creosotes, along with other debilitating compounds. Lignin molecules have a high incidence of chlorine, benzene rings, and heavy metals which yield such toxins. Diesel truck emissions which will amount to 7x what the plant itself will discharge aren't regulated even minimally. THERE IS NO SAFE LEVEL OF DIOXINS which are the most powerful carcinogens known to man. If it can be measured, even as parts per billion, it is dangerous. Adage suggested there might be some in my fireplace flue. I allowed as much but pointed out I don't burn 600,000 tons of wood in my fireplace per year. And I'd give up that privilege if corporations were required to follow suit. Sadly, corporations are given license denied to ordinary citizens. e.g. The NO SMOKING county ordinance applied to public property including the MCRA (Rec Area) and fairgrounds, all on Port of Shelton public property! Unless, it appears, you're a large corporation. Then you can smoke all you like while our children and citizens breathe deep.
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