EPA: BIGGEST
TOXIN JUMP IN SINCE 1988
Last
Tuesday, the EPA reported that the
amount of toxic pollutants in America's air,
water and land jumped 5 percent in 2002 -
the highest increase since the federal government
started keeping track in 1988.
It
is only the second time that this key environmental
indicator has increased. The toxic study tests
for about 650 chemicals and substances.
Among
the toxins tested for, Mercury and lead -
which can harm the developing minds and nervous
systems of children - increased by 10 percent
and 3 percent, respectively.
The
EPA said Electric power plants- mostly coal-fired
ones - increased their toxic emissions by
3.5 percent and now are responsible for over
a fifth of the nation's toxins.
Military
bases, nuclear waste disposal sites and other
federal facilities showed an increase in toxic
emissions of 9 percent.
Environmental
activists and university professors said the
EPA's data reflect a reduced emphasis on curbing
pollution by the Bush administration.
7/2/04