This past June, mercury and PCB contamination forced the shut down of 16 rivers and lakes in Alabama. The Alabama Department of Health issued a warning that the fish in contaminated waters is unsafe for human consumption. Chemical contamination has poisoned food in Arkansas as well. In July of 1997, dioxin closed four Arkansas poultry plants. Hundreds of workers were idled after federal inspectors found that dioxin-contaminated feed had been used by farmers producing chicken, eggs, and catfish.
Children are the most vulnerable to such toxic chemicals.
In addition to causing an increase in cancers, toxic exposures can upset child development and cause learning difficulties and behavioral problems, as well as immune and reproductive system damage and birth defects. Many food producers are becoming aware that toxic emissions threaten business. Bryan Foods, Sara Lee, Keebler, and Ohio beef cattle and vegetable growers have all opposed incinerators in recent years. We request that no poultry areas be considered for hazardous waste storage or incineration. Also in 1991, the 320,000 member North Carolina Farm Bureau passed a resolution opposing incineration.