New numbers released by the government show one state pollutes more than any other in the region when it comes to toxic chemicals released into the air. The Great Lakes Radio Consortium’s Mark Brush reports:
Transcript
New numbers released by the government show one state pollutes more than any
other in the region when it comes to toxic chemicals released into the air.
The Great Lakes Radio Consortium’s Mark Brush reports:
In the eight states surrounding the Great Lakes, Indiana tops the list for
cancer-causing chemicals released into the air. The EPA’s Toxic Release
Inventory shows that 34 million pounds of these chemicals were released in 2002.
Indiana is responsible for 8.7 million pounds of that. That’s more than one
quarter of the entire region’s release of that kind of pollution.
Karen Teliha is with the Indiana Department of Environmental Management.
She says these chemicals are mostly released in the northern counties of the
state:
“Our number one carcinogenic chemical that’s released is Styrene. And it’s one
that we’ve been working on with the fiber reinforced plastics industry, and in
Indiana that’s mainly RV and boat manufacturers.”
Teliha concedes that the amount is high, but she says it’s been declining over
the last five years. Environmentalists say the state isn’t doing enough to curb
the release of these cancer-causing chemicals.
For the Great Lakes Radio Consortium, I’m Mark Brush.
Zookeepers noticed something was wrong with the Lansing zoo's lion, Samburu. The zoo's vet discovered cancer and the lion is being treated. For some zoos lately, animal care and keeping has been an issue. (photo by Lester Graham)
During a radio interview, zookeeper Bruce Snyder gets ready to stuff chemotherapy drugs into a ball of meat for the recovering lion at Potter Park Zoo. The lion has received a number of 'Get Well' wishes from area children. (photo by Melissa Ingells)
In recent weeks, some zoos have been in the news. In Dallas,a gorilla escaped and hurt some visitors. Police shot and killed it. A report criticized the National Zoo in Washington, D.C. for not preventing the deaths of animals there. News reports have suggested that these incidents might be connected to financial struggles. The Great Lakes Radio Consortium’s Lester Graham reports… top zoo officials say any budget cuts should not affect the care and keeping of the animals:
Transcript
In recent weeks, some zoos have been in the news. In Dallas, a gorilla escaped and hurt some
visitors. Police shot and killed it. A report criticized the National Zoo in Washington, D.C. for
not preventing the deaths of animals there. News reports have suggested that these incidents
might be connected to financial struggles. The Great Lakes Radio Consortium’s Lester Graham
reports, top zoo officials say any budget cuts should not affect the care and keeping of the
animals:
(young child talking about the lion)
In the lion house, children have left “Get Well” wishes. On one piece of
notebook paper there’s a pencil and crayon drawing of a lion, with messages
surrounding it. One reads: “I hope you feel better because you deserve to
live. Love, Ashley” Another reads “I hope your cancer goes away. Love,
Rita.”
Last November, zookeepers at the Potter Park Zoo in Lansing, Michigan
noticed something was wrong with Samburu, a big male lion. Jan Brigham is
one of the zookeepers. She says Samburu wasn’t as energetic as usual. And
there were other signs something wasn’t right…
“We noticed a weight loss on him and mainly through his hindquarters, like his pelvic bones. So,
even though his stomach was somewhat big – and now we know why – his hindquarters, you
could see a weight loss.”
Even after he was fed more meat, the aging lion didn’t seem to get any heavier.
(walkie-talkie chatter)
The zookeepers kept the veterinarian Tara Harrison up to date about the situation. Dr. Harrison
decided it was time to anesthetize the big cat and check him over. His spleen was enlarged.
“And found out that there was cancer in it, so, then we decided to schedule a date for surgery.
And we removed his spleen and took samples of other organs as well and started him on
chemotherapy.”
(Samburu growling in distance)
Down in the kitchen, behind the lion exhibit Bruce Snyder is getting a big
package of meat ready for Samburu. They’re still giving the lion extra
food, trying to build his strength, but they’re also putting chemotherapy
drugs into the meat.
“Instead of a fast day, which the bone day, we’ve been giving him
meat everyday along with his bones. I just take and stuff these pills in
it. LG: It’s a lot like a hamburger, sort of. “Yes. So, what we do is
just mix this up. He’ll scarf this down real quick.”
These days Samburu is feeling a little more feisty…
(attack growls)
You don’t want to get between him and his dinner.
(more roaring)
This story is the way it’s supposed to happen. Zookeepers keep a watchful
eye on the animals. The vet takes action. The animals live. Little kids
wish them a speedy recovery. And for the most part… that’s what happens.
But some zoos have been struggling. And a debate is beginning. The
question is: are the problems in the news lately signs that zoos are
hurting?
Bob Cook is Chief Veterinarian at Wildlife Conservation Society which
operates, among other things, the Bronx Zoo. He also chairs the Animal Health Committee of the
American Zoo and Aquarium Association, the membership organization of the
nation’s zoos. Dr. Cook says things are tough at some zoos.
“I’d say, in general, zoos have really been challenged since 9/11.
Attendance has been off in some places. Governments, local, state as well
as federal, the cuts that they make often trickle down. But, let me be very
clear that the one thing that is central to all of our missions is
maintaining the health and welfare of these very special animals which we
care for.”
Cook says they can cut back on education programs, cut outreach programs,
but zoos should not, cannot, must not cut back on the care and keeping of
the animals. He says budget cuts really shouldn’t have anything to do with
the zoo keepers keeping a close eye on the animals. He believes the
problems that have put some zoos in the news lately have simply been human
mistakes or design flaws in the enclosures, not signs that zoos are cutting
back on the care of the animals.
Still, the news reports at the problem zoos often note financial struggles
and we’re all left wondering if there’s a link.
(bird calls)
At Samburu’s home, the zookeepers say they’re keeping an eye on the lion’s
attitude and behavior. His cancer is in remission… and he’s acting fierce again.
Zookeeper Jan Brigham says in the 15 years she’s been taking care of Samburu,
he’s never been what you’d call friendly, but she’s really happy the tough
old cat is doing okay for now.
“I mean it was a big surprise to all of us that he has gone into
remission. How long he’ll be in remission, we don’t know. And we accept
the fact that, you know, we may have only extended his life six to twelve
months, but if that’s what it is, then so be it. But, yeah, we’re all happy
with the outcome.”
Samburu’s story is making the rounds among zoos. It’s a good news story
when too often the bad news about zoos makes the front page. The silver
lining about that is that zoos across the nation are reviewing their
procedures and making sure the care for the animals is everything it should
be.
For the Great Lakes Radio Consortium, this is Lester Graham.
The EPA is investigating more than two dozen insulation plants around the country that processed a dangerous form of ore called vermiculite. Five of the plants are in the Midwest. The Great Lakes Radio Consortium’s Tracy Samilton reports:
Transcript
The EPA is investigating over two dozen insulation plants around
the country that processed a dangerous form of ore called vermiculite.
Five of the plants are in the Midwest. The Great Lakes Radio Consortium’s
Tracy Samilton reports:
The processing plants converted an ore called vermiculite into insulation,
which was then shipped to millions of homes in cold areas of the country.
The vermiculite was laced with mineral fibers that can cause asbestosis and
lung cancer. The government is investigating if plant workers and people
who lived near the plants are at risk of becoming ill from exposure.
Early results from a plant in Illinois found that workers were at higher
risk, but not nearby residents.
Dr. Michael Harbut is an expert in occupational medicine. He says the investigation is long
overdue.
“This is a serious enough danger that the EPA is actually in the process of removing vermiculite
from some attics in some areas the country.”
Some of the processing plants have been shut down, but others have been
converted to other uses. The government plans to make sure those plants
are safe, and locate former workers to assess their health.
For the Great Lakes Radio Consortium, I’m Tracy Samilton.
California could be on the forefront of a new scientific approach that tests people for pollution. A measure in the state legislature would require the state to monitor mothers’ breast milk for dangerous toxins, such as pesticides or PCBs. Supporters of the legislation are hoping “biomonitoring” will catch on in other states too. The Great Lakes Radio Consortium’s Erin Toner reports:
Transcript
California could be on the forefront of a new scientific
approach that tests people for pollution. A measure in the state
Legislature would require the state to monitor mothers’ breast
milk for dangerous toxins, such as pesticides or PCBs.
Supporters of the legislation are hoping “biomonitoring” will
catch on in other states too. The Great Lakes Radio Consortium’s Erin Toner reports:
Biomonitoring is based on the suspicion that environmental
pollutants play a part in many cancers and other diseases. The
California program would focus on women’s breast milk, since
many chemicals can be found in fat cells located in the breasts.
The Breast Cancer Fund is a major backer of the California
biomonitoring effort.
Jeanne Rizzo is the group’s executive director.
“We’ve spent 30 billion dollars to look at treatment and
to look at a cure for breast cancer. We have spent very
little, a very small amount of money to look at what could
be contributing to the causes. Biomonitoring will give us
an opportunity to measure the synthetic chemicals, the
pollution in people, in the target organ for breast cancer.”
Some critics of biomonitoring fear it could cause women to
stop breast feeding. Or that insurance companies or employers
might use the information against people.
For the Great Lakes Radio Consoritum, I’m Erin Toner.
In the last ten years, some cities in the region have seen an increase in the number of days on which the air was considered unhealthy. And according to a recent report, much of the blame should be placed on air pollution from cars and trucks. The Great Lakes Radio Consortium’s Mark Brush has more:
Transcript
In the last ten years, some cities in the region have seen an increase in the number of days on
which the air was considered unhealthy. And according to a recent report, much of the blame
should be placed on air pollution from cars and trucks. The Great Lakes Radio Consortium’s
Mark Brush has more:
In its report, the Surface Transportation Policy Project highlighted research showing links
between transportation-related air pollution and increased asthma rates, and increased cancer risk.
Jim Corliss is one of the report’s co-author’s. He says progress has been made in cleaning up the
nation’s air, but that there’s still more to be done about pollution from vehicles.
“The increase in driving, the explosion in the number of miles people drive every day and every
year has really undermined a lot of the progress that we’ve made in cleaner engines.”
Corliss says that the increase in the number of miles driven is largely due to the way communities
are designed. He says urban sprawl has led to large increases in the number of miles driven for
everyday errands.
For the Great Lakes Radio Consortium, I’m Mark Brush.
A recent study shows a possible link between breast cancer and a toxic chemical we’re exposed to every day. And people living in some Great Lakes states might face higher exposure to this chemical. The Great Lakes Radio Consortium’s Erika Johnson has more:
Transcript
A recent study shows a possible link between breast cancer and a toxic chemical
we’re exposed to everyday. And
people living in some Great Lakes states might face higher exposure to this
chemical. The Great Lakes Radio
Consortium’s Erika Johnson has more:
Cadmium is a toxic metal present in trace amounts in the air, water, soil, and in
most foods. It is also found in
batteries and cigarettes, and is released by some industries.
Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois are at the top of the list for overall cadmium exposures.
Recent findings published in Nature Medicine suggest that even low levels of cadmium
in lab rats caused changes
in their sexual development. Cadmium mimics estrogen, the female hormone that
regulates the reproductive
systems of men and women.
Steve Safe is a Toxicologist at Texas A & M University.
“Women have high doses of estrogen. They have much higher rates of breast cancer
than men. And estrogen has
been clearly linked to breast cancer. What we don’t know is, ‘Can cadmium
contribute to that? Does low dose
cadmium have any effect on humans at all?'”
Safe says more research is needed before any clear links can be made to human health.
For the Great Lakes Radio Consortium, I’m Erika Johnson.
Spray drift from pesticides might travel farther and last longer than first thought. The Great Lakes Radio Consortium’s Lester Graham reports:
Transcript
Spray drift from pesticides might travel farther and last longer than first thought. The Great
Lakes Radio Consortium’s Lester Graham reports:
Pesticide drift – the spray, droplets, and dust that’s stirred up during application – has always been
a health concern, but a study by the California Air Resources Board combined with other studies,
found that pesticide drift lasts longer than just the moment of application.
Susan Kegley is a scientist with the Pesticide Action Network North America:
“It turns out that for many pesticides, the greater part of the drift happens in the hours and days
and even weeks after the pesticide is applied and these levels are high enough to be of concern.
And right now, EPA does not look at those types of exposures for most of the pesticides it
evaluates.
Groups wanted stricter rules on pesticide handling are calling for more studies saying that
pesticide drift might be responsible for higher rates of cancer and other health problems in rural
areas surrounded by farmland being sprayed with pesticides.
For the Great Lakes Radio Consortium, this is Lester Graham.
The Coast Guard cutter Sundew was built in 1944
in Duluth as a "buoy tender." In 1979, the Coast Guard had the ship's hull reinforced and beefed up its engine so the ship could double as an icebreaker. Photo by Chris Julin.
Cargo ships are moving on the Great Lakes, but Coast Guard icebreakers are still on duty on the north side of the Lakes. The Coast Guard’s massive icebreaker, the “Mackinaw,” smashed ice from its home in Michigan all the way across Lake Superior to Duluth. And the Coast Guard cutter “Sundew” has been chipping away at the ice in Duluth for weeks. The Great Lakes Radio Consortium’s Chris Julin has this report:
Transcript
Cargo ships are moving on the Great Lakes, but Coast Guard icebreakers are still on duty on the
north side of the Lakes. The Coast Guard’s massive icebreaker, the “Mackinaw,” smashed ice
from its home in Michigan all the way across Lake Superior to Duluth. And the Coast Guard
cutter “Sundew” has been chipping away at the ice in Duluth for weeks. The Great Lakes Radio
Consortium’s Chris Julin has this report:
There’s a whiff of spring in the air in lots of places, but parts of Lake Superior are still covered
with ice. Cargo ships are leaving their berths where they spent the winter. But when the first
ships got ready to go, the ice on the Duluth Harbor was still two feet thick. That’s thick enough to
keep a ship locked in place.
The Coast Guard cutter Sundew carved a path through the ice so ships could leave.
(sound of chop, splash)
As the Sundew churns away, slabs of ice tip on edge under the bow. Each slab looks like the
floor of a single-car garage turned on edge. The Sundew will cut a swath several miles long, and
then come back along the same path. With each pass, the shipping lane gets a little bit wider.
Bev Havlik is the commanding officer on the Sundew.
“We’re taking out just little shaved bits of it at a time to make the ice chunks smaller. It’s like
sawing a log, just shaving off a bit of it at a time.”
“The Sundew wasn’t built as an icebreaker. It’s usual duty is tending buoys. The ship places, and
maintains about 200 navigational buoys on Lake Superior. But a couple decades ago, the Sundew
got some extra steel added to its hull, and a new, bigger engine. Since then, it’s done double duty
as an icebreaker.”
Commander Bev Havlik says the Sundew slices through thin ice like a butter knife. But in
thicker ice, like this stuff, the hull actually rides up on top of the ice and pushes down through it.
That’s why there are three mini-van-sized chunks of concrete on the ship’s deck. Each one weighs
12,000 pounds.
“It helps us bite into it with the bow, instead of riding up too high.” It keeps the weight down
forward more.”
A little bit like putting sandbags in the back of your pickup in the wintertime?
“It’s a similar sort of principle, right. It gives you the bite you need.”
Icebreaking is serious business. It gets ship traffic moving weeks before the ice melts. But
beyond that, Bev Havlik says it’s really fun.
“This is awesome. It’s the only job that I’d ever had where they pay us to come out and break
something.”
The Sundew is 180 feet long. That’s about the length of 10 canoes lined up end to end. It has
about 50 crew members. One of the junior crew members is usually at the wheel. The real
“driver” is an officer who’s standing 20 feet away, out on the deck through an open door. The
officer adjusts the ship’s speed, and calls out a steady stream of steering commands to the
“helmsman” — that’s the guy at the wheel.
(sound of Helsman)
“Right five-degrees rudder … steady as she goes, aye.”
Ensign Jason Frank is about to take his turn driving the Sundew. He wears a big rabbit fur hat
when he’s out on the deck driving the ship.
“We actually have face masks and goggles for when it really gets cold. It gets so cold out here
sometimes it feels like your eyes are going to freeze out, or something.”
(natural sound)
Jason Frank is halfway through his two-year stint on the Sundew. Then he’ll be stationed
somewhere else, and the Sundew will be removed from service. The ship was built in Duluth in
1944, and it’s retiring next year. Jason Frank wanted to work on the Sundew because aren’t many
ships like this still in service. On newer vessels, the officer driving the ship stands inside. And
here’s something right out of the movies – the Sundew has a big, brass steering wheel.
“Whereas with the new ships, most the new ships have just a little joystick. It’s very similar to
like a joystick you’d have maybe when you’re playing a computer game or something. All you
have to do is turn that joystick and the computer tells the rudder what to do. We’re actually
maneuvering the throttles, we’re actually driving. With the new ship, basically it has an
autopilot.”
The ice is melting in the Duluth Harbor, but it still clumps together on windy days and makes
trouble for ships. The Coast Guard cutter Sundew will stay on ice-breaking duty until the
weather warms up, and a good southwest wind pushes the rest of the ice out of the harbor into
Lake Superior.
For the Great Lakes Radio Consortium, this is Chris Julin.
A coalition of scientists is reporting that efforts to reduce radon levels in homes throughout the U.S. are largely failing. The Great Lakes Radio Consortium’s Celeste Headlee has more:
Transcript
A coalition of scientists is reporting that efforts to reduce radon levels in homes throughout the
U.S. are largely failing. The Great Lakes Radio Consortium’s Celeste Headlee has more:
Radon is a natural gas that emits low levels of radiation. Research has proven it can cause lung
cancer. Officials estimate 15 thousand lung cancer deaths can be traced back to radon each year
in the U.S. Congress passed the Indoor Radon Abatement Act in 1988, setting a national goal to
reduce radon in American homes to safe levels.
Peter Hendrick is the Executive Director of the American Association of Radon Scientists and
Technologists. He says the country’s radon program is ineffective, with dangerous levels of the
gas still present in ten million homes in the U.S.
“I believe that the reason behind that is because one particular agency, Housing and Urban
Development, has really not lived up to its responsibilities under the National Environmental
Protection Act to comply with EPA standards on radon.”
Hendrick is calling for the government to enforce existing laws and even create tax incentives for
compliance. Federal officials have not yet commented on Hendrick’s complaints.
For the Great Lakes Radio Consortium, I’m Celeste Headlee.
A state government is taking some grocery chains to court to try to force them to post warnings about mercury in fish. The Great Lakes Radio Consortium’s Lester Graham explains:
Transcript
A state government is taking some grocery chains to court to try to force them to post warnings
about mercury in fish. The Great Lakes Radio Consortium’s Lester Graham explains:
Just about any fish has trace amounts of methyl-mercury in it due to pollution. But some predator
fish, such as swordfish, shark, and some tuna have higher levels of mercury. The State of
California is taking five grocery chains that sell fish to court. It wants Kroger’s, Safeway, Trader
Joe’s, Albertson’s and Whole Foods to warn consumers that higher levels of mercury can cause
cancer, birth defects and reproductive harm. Tom Dressler is with the California Attorney
General’s office.
“I mean, one example would be to post a warning at the fish counters where the products are sold.
We’re not asking for warning labels on the packages. We just want a clear, reasonable warning
posted that informs consumers and does some good.”
The case is important because California often leads the nation in setting new standards for
environmental law.
For the Great Lakes Radio Consortium, this is Lester Graham.
