The human body is a marvelous machine designed to keep a person alive through a huge range of external issues. The liver is able to break down a variety of toxins, and the longevity of humanity shows just how good the average body is at keeping someone healthy. However, modern industry and the introduction of new man-made chemicals entered an element that most bodies weren’t ready for.<\/p>\n
A study published in The Lancet states that around 9 million people die<\/a> prematurely every year from pollution. While pollution is something of a broad term, the point is that man-made disasters can be extremely deadly. That said, as knowledge of these dangers increases, people are starting to demand a safer world to live in.<\/p>\n While stories of pollution are certainly sad, they can help us understand more about how to avoid similar problems in the future. To that end, let’s explore some of the most important contamination incidents in history.<\/p>\n Camp Lejeune\u00a0in North Carolina is one of the best examples of sheer incompetence\u00a0when it comes to handling dangerous materials. An article from Pacific Standard details how a single person made an enormous discovery<\/a>. In the autumn of 1980, a single construction worker using a bulldozer uncovered a tomb of dead dogs.<\/p>\n Nearby, laboratory waste labeled “Radioactive Poison” was also discovered. It was clear that these dogs had been killed by a dangerous compound, specifically strontium-90.<\/p>\n The parking lot this contractor was expected to build used to be the local Naval Research Laboratory dump. What’s more, the discovery didn’t stop there. Multiple acres in the area were used to bury toxic waste. After researchers had examined the site, they found that the levels of toxic chemicals in the drinking water were between 240 and 3,400 times higher than recommended.<\/p>\n Due to the fact that the exposure began in the 1950s, it’s impossible to say exactly how many people were affected. CNN reported that the number could be as high as 500,000 people<\/a>.<\/p>\n The lesson to be learned here is that researching toxic chemicals is a hefty responsibility. Society does need to understand how they work and if they can be used for anything, but that doesn’t mean they should be discarded and simply forgotten about. Hazardous waste must always be disposed of in a safe and mindful manner.<\/p>\n Located in Rockingham County, New Hampshire, the incident at the Coakley Landfill is relatively new contamination. As such, there isn’t much information concerning who has been contaminated and how bad it is. Regardless, it is important to know.<\/p>\n According to the EPA, the 92-acre\u00a0Coakley Landfill accepted industrial wastes<\/a> between 1972 and 1982. Additionally, incinerator residue was dumped in the landfill between 1982 and 1985. The waste within the landfill is considered by the EPA to be the prime source of the contamination of the area. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and metals are the biggest concerns at the moment.<\/p>\n Thankfully, the EPA has conducted multiple five-year reviews, as well as beginning a remedy of affected areas. The organization believes that its current solution is protecting both long term and short term health goals.<\/p>\n If anything, this story should make people mindful that trash doesn’t simply disappear. Whether it is industrial or personal, all garbage must end up in a landfill somewhere. While individuals must do their part to cut down on the production of waste, it’s also important to encourage larger entities to do so.<\/p>\n Perhaps one of the worst contamination stories is that of the Morinaga Milk Babies. Gizmodo reports that the incident began in 1955 when concerned parents began seeing a rise in diarrhea and vomiting<\/a> in their children. Within a month, the cause was discovered – Morinaga MF Milk. Specifically, there was arsenic contamination within the product. Sadly, knowledge of this was kept from the public for some time.<\/p>\n When all was said and done, there were 13,000 victims of both adults and children. Around 6,000 of these were considered to be serious cases, and 100 people died of the contamination. Many of these were children and babies.<\/p>\n Despite happening so long ago, the Morinaga Milk Babies continue to have problems. Gizmodo states that they still suffer from chronic health issues as of 2006. While victims eventually won their legal battle, the damage had already been done.<\/p>\n Clearly, the lesson here is that hiding contamination is perhaps the worst possible mistake to make. Owning up to a major issue can be hard for companies, but they must hold themselves accountable for their actions. The Morinaga Milk case seriously affected a large section of the Japanese population, and yet officials remained silent until it was too late. Who knows how many lives could have been saved by simple honesty.<\/p>\n1. Camp Lejeune\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n
What causes contamination?<\/h3>\n
What we learned?<\/h3>\n
2. Coakley Landfill\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n
What causes contamination?<\/h3>\n
What we learned?<\/h3>\n
3. Morinaga Milk Babies\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n
What causes contamination?<\/h3>\n
What we learned?<\/h3>\n