Polychlorinated dibenzodioxins

In this day and age it is probably not incorrect to assume that we have all heard the term genetically modified. While we may not all know what it means, it’s easy to find ourselves reaching for the “Non GMO” products on our grocery store shelves because they somehow seem like privileges. So what is the difference between regular crops like cotton, corn, soybeans and canola that have or haven’t been genetically tampered with and who is in control of that tampering? GMO (Genetically Modified Organism)

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

As I look out at the beautiful ocean, the silky sand and gorgeous seashells lay underneath my feet. The blue waves crashing down onto the shore. The ocean is truly a beautiful sight to see. However, we are slowly ruining this beautiful thing because of the way we treat this planet, the ocean is extremely polluted and marine life is paying for it. A few of the ways mankind is damaging marine life is by heavy oil pollution, and exposing marine life to dangerous chemicals. One way our oceans are polluted

In 2002, a deceased female orca was discovered on Dungeness Spit in Washington. The dead orca contained 1000 parts per million (ppm) PCBs, an estimated six times more than the average Pacific Northwest orca (1). PCBs, or polychlorinated biphenyls, are a type of manufactured chemical. Their use was predominantly within electrical equipment, acting as coolants or lubricants, along with being used in paints, cement, or other common material (2). Such chemicals are a large issue in the PNW, despite being

Environmental Impact and Sustainability Issues related to PBDEs In chapter fourteen of our textbook, Environment: The Science Behind The Stories, it is made clear that the United States does not use the precautionary principle approach when it comes to evaluating how toxic a substance is (Withgott & Laposata, 2014, p. 382). This lack of precaution has proven to be dangerous when it comes to chemicals, especially when using polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs). PBDEs are chemically engineered flame

state of New York, settling to pay a mere $3 million dollars for the damage caused to the Hudson River. According to Cray (2001), “GE executives probably hoped the deal would bury the issue forever, and that everyone concerned about the PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls) lying on the bottom of the river would let nature take its course.” (Multinational Monitor, 2001) During that time Jack Welch’s stance on the accusations resulted in historical comments filled with denial, Jack said, during a 60 Minutes

over 300,000 pounds remain concentrated in bottom sediments of the river today. The spread of PCBs throughout the Hudson River and the food chain, which it supports, has created one of the most extensive hazardous waste problems in the nation. Polychlorinated biphenyl’s (PCBs) are a group of synthetic oil-like chemicals (therefore insoluble in water) of the organochlorine family. Until their toxic nature was recognized and their use was banned in the 1970s, they were widely used as insulation in electrical

E-waste is a significant issue in environmental health. Both scientists and policy makers recognize the adverse impact e-waste imposes on the environment, and they must work together to undermine the impact. In Guiyu, which is the world’s largest e-waste processing village, workers break electronics apart, burn them, or dump them in acid baths to extract their valuable components, such as copper and gold. However, these primitive methods, especially when done in an open space, result in air and soil

mosquitoes. According to Farmers continue to use harmful chemicals such as polychlorinated biphenyls which is used for lubrication on farming equipment such as tractors, air compressors, pumps, and other agricultural machinery however it was later found to be harmful to the environment and cause cancer to animals (ATSDR). The list continues on with polybrominated diphenyl ethers which is a flame retardant, polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins which is used as a herbicide, and ammonium perfluorooctanoate

Economies of Scope: Economies of scale and scope help producers lower their cost by producing the next unit of output at lower costs this trend continues until production reaches a level of diseconomies of scale where production is no longer running as efficient as it should. This tends to increase the barriers to entry for new competitors as when they enter the market they will experience a higher cost of production. Why? Solely because they have smaller economies of scale and cannot afford to