Ignorance is Bliss but Compliance can be Deadly

Why do we allow ourselves to be victims again? Not only do individuals and industry behave in a manner that is irresponsible for the welfare of the environment but the public health as well. Our government officials do not seem forthcoming with information regarding our recent water non-consumption advisory. Therefore, not only do we NOT have ample information to make wise decisions regarding our personal health but also our own compliance with the recent petroleum contamination of the public water supply puts each of us at danger for this type of event to happen again and again.

When gasoline or diesel fuel and their components contaminate the water supply, aromatic (ring) carbon compounds such as benzene, toluene, and xylene all of which are carcinogenic can then be at toxic levels. With concentrations as low as parts per million long term effect of human conception is cancer and in high doses can cause immediate death because these toxins attack vital organs such as the liver and kidneys. These toxins are highly volatile and not only are consumption (drinking or eating) but breathing the volatiles off these components can be a health risk. I have not begun to explain the toxins formed when ring carbon compounds are exposed to the chemicals that are used to treat drinking water. Carbon based compounds that contain such elements as chlorine and other halogens can be very dangerous for public exposure. I feel that I have a little knowledge about the possible dangers of the chemicals that might be in the water and I can say for sure that I would not drink, wash, or have any contact with the water until I was sure the levels of these toxins.

I feel most people do not realize the danger with these recent spills. We do not seem to be outraged with this threat to our health. Many complain and point fingers at who is to blame for this situation but we are all to blame when we do not stand up and DEMAND that this type of treatment of our environment will NOT be tolerated.