Sept. 7, 2000
Unpleasant news for people who live in Tooele County. It's been labeled the most dangerous place in the nation when it comes to toxic chemicals in the air.
A new report links the release of toxic chemicals
to birth defects and learning disabilities. It shows Tooele County leads the nation in the total volume of chemical pollutants released into the atmosphere.
Charles Sherrill has a summary of what the study shows.
The report was compiled by a group of scientists, physicians and environmentalists who did an exhaustive search of the data industrial polluters are required to report to the government.
Authors of the study says it's the first comprehensive snapshot ever attempted of chemical pullution that affects learning and development in American children.
"AND, IN OUR JUDGMENT, IT'S NOT A PRETTY PICTURE."
They estimate that American industry annually emits 24 billion pounds of pollutants that could cause kids to be permanently impaired.
Jeff Wise/National Environmental Trust: "THIS IS ENOUGH TOXIC CHEMICALS TO FILL RAILROAD TANKER CARS STRETCHING FROM NEW YORK CITY TO ALBUQUERQUE, NEW MEXICO."
The report says up to three million children suffer some disability connected to toxic chemicals.
Dr. Lynn Goldman: "IT HAS BEEN ESTIMATED THAT OF THOSE, ABOUT 36 THOUSAND OF THOSE CHILDREN PROBABLY HAVE A DISORDER THAT WOULD HAVE BEEN COMPLETELY PREVENTABLE."
The report ranks Utah fourth among the states in tonnage of toxic chemicals fouling the air and water.
It says Magnesium Corporation of America is by far Utah's most prolific polluter, releasing enough airborne emissions to make Tooele County the country's leader.
"IT IS WIDELY BELIEVED THAT AIR EMISSIONS ARE THE EMISSIONS OF GREATEST HEALTH CONCERN TO CHILDREN, DUE TO THE ABILITY OF AIR POLLUTION TO ACHIEVE SUCH WIDE DISPERSION."
A critical question, not answered by the study, is how the amount of pollution relates to the level of toxicity.
They say no one really knows.
"ONLY A TINY PORTION OF THE 80-THOUSAND CHEMICALS IN COMMERCE HAVE BEEN TESTED FOR ANY TOXIC HEALTHY EFFECTS, LET ALONE DEVELOPMENTAL OR NEUROLOGICAL EFFECTS."
So they say every chemical pollutant should be considered dangerous to children until there's scientific evidence that shows it's safe.
