Our Health
Air Pollution Can Impact Brain
By Josh Schlossberg
Air Pollution Can Impact Brain
By Josh Schlossberg
A study out of Ohio State University demonstrated that exposure to particulate matter, a byproduct of biomass burning and other combustion, resulted in learning and memory problems and depression in mice.
"The results suggest prolonged exposure to polluted air can have visible, negative effects on the brain, which can lead to a variety of health problems," said lead author Laura Fonken, doctoral student of neuroscience at Ohio State. The study, published in Molecular Psychiatry, adds brain impacts to the litany of health concerns from particulate matter to those of lung disease, high blood pressure, obesity, and diabetes.
"The more we learn about the health effects of prolonged exposure to air pollution, the more reasons there are to be concerned," said study co-author Randy Nelson, professor of neuroscience and psychology at Ohio State.
"This could have important and troubling implications for people who live and work in polluted urban areas around the world," warned Fonken. Biomass power incinerators emit higher levels of particulate matter than coal burning plants.
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From the Editor
By Rachel Smolker, Managing Editor
By Rachel Smolker, Managing Editor
Occupy Wall Street has arrived. While there are some criticizing the "lack of clear messaging," others would agree that the overarching theme--resisting corporations sucking the lifeblood out of the 99 percent--is a powerful and uniting theme.
For those resisting biomass, there is certainly a strong resonance. Big Timber, Big Ag and a list from A to Z of profiteers are cashing in on subsidies that we the 99 percent pay for...and they use our money to build polluting facilities that will make our kids and ourselves sick, drive up our healthcare costs, and trash our forests and fields.
Adding insult to injury, we are told that this is what is necessary to fix our slumping economy--toxic jobs we just can't live without (or with...). The convergence of corporate interests that has congealed around bioenergy is alarming--pretty much all those who make or use energy... And they have a "storyline" even if it is lies--the story about "clean, green, renewable" energy, and a "new green economy" replete with "green jobs."
We will need to be vigilant to ensure that the well intended in this newly emerging people's movement, do not get taken in by that story! Time to get offline and head to the streets!
Link to complete 11/11 issue of The Biomass Monitor:
http://content.enewslettersonline.com/20757/54291.html
A study on the affects of air pollution on children, done in Mexico City, showed lesions in the brains of children exposed to the particulate matter similar to the lesions in people suffering from Alzheimer disease.
ReplyDeleteHow many people suffering from that disease are really suffering the effects of sucking particulate matter, as a result of being exposed to a lifetime of air pollution?
With SIMPSON generously distributing its PM 2.5 for decades in downtown Shelton, there are, indeed, legitimate fears for our community. Let's induce SIMPSON to CLEAN UP its act NOW!!!
ReplyDeleteAND
Let us NOt allow the proposed SOLOMON incinerator to come & trade OUR HEALTH for its PROFITS!!! TOGETHER, we can keep this from happening!!!
Together WE WILL keep Solomon from happening, should Simpson decide to reanimate that permit. ORCAA might want to permit their every dirty deed, but adding another incinerator in the harbor is not an option. I think the Reeds have better things to do with their money than using it to light up the air-breathers.
ReplyDeleteAnd we are always looking for ways to INDUCE Simpson to clean up it's act.
The piles of paper are endless; but somewhere in these piles of paper is the stick that will make Simpson clean up its act, and inquiring minds are ceaselessly combing through them in support of our case against Simpson.
HOWEVER, if we allow Lynda Ring Erickson to occupy Fred Finn's seat in the Legislature we will make our lives a lot more difficult. LRE will busily write and support legislation that makes polluting our community easier and easier! Watch to see which polluters and good old boys are donating to her campaign.
Here's a bumper sticker, Tom: ANYBODY BUT RING-ERICKSON -- please; ANYBODY BUT LRE!
From my point of view, the proposed Simpson/Solomon incinerator ORCAA permit REactivation is a "WHEN" rather than an "IF".
ReplyDeleteMay YOU be correct that it's a DONE deal already & no longer a concern!!!