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Showing posts from March, 2019
The European Union will soon ban a suspected carcinogenic fungicide which remains in use in Canada today. Ottawa remains silent.
by Larry Powell The European Food Safety Agency (EFSA), a branch of the European Union, has declared that chlorothalonil "may cause cancer in humans." Several of the agency's findings were based on tests with lab rats. But it obviously believes their metabolisms are sufficiently similar to ours to place chlorothalonil in "carcinogenicity category 1B - may cause cancer in humans." Chlorothalonil is the active ingredient in several agricultural fungicides used to treat mildew, blight and mold in many crops. According to the newspaper, The Guardian, it is the most widely-used pesticide in all of the UK and the the most popular fungicide in the U.S. It's been used, worldwide, since the '60s. A project based at Simon Fraser University, CAREX, reports that 581 tonnes of chlorothalonil were sold in BC alone in 2010 and 1,121 ton
A Professor at the University of Saskatchewan (Canada) is calling for the killing of Canada's entire population of wild pigs - by Larry Powell
Dr. Ryan Brook, Associate Professor in the College Agriculture and Bioresources at the University of Saskatchewan . Dr. Ryan Brook says such a drastic and aggressive move would be justified because the animals can carry deadly disease such as African Swine Fever. ASF entered China, the world's largest hog producer, some time ago, forcing major culls of domestic animals there. It is feared the disease could spread to North America and that wild pigs could prove to be carriers and infect commercial swine herds in the US and Canada. It is believed such an eventuality would devastate the pork industry on this continent. Dr. Brook suggests the wild animals could be captured in nets dropped from helicopters, then killed with bolt guns. He claims big ground traps and human ground crews could effectively catch and kill entire groups. Wild pigs in winter. A Pexels photo. He adds, while he respects sports hunters, their methods are not effective at controlling wild hog numbers.
When development and conservation clash in the Serengeti
University of Copenhagen - SCIENCE NEWS A proposed new road could disrupt the migration of animals like this in the Serengeti. Photo by eismcsquare. New or upgraded roads in the Greater Serengeti Ecosystem around Serengeti National Park will not reduce growing pressure on the ecosystem, a study shows. Story here.
Beat the Heat: Canada's French-fry potatoes in climate change trouble
Canadian Science Publishing After PEI, Manitoba is Canada's largest potato-producing province. Over 1200 million pounds are processed here each year on about 80 thousand acres. A PinP photo. Desiccating summer heat, brought on by climate change, could have adverse effects on Canada's potato industry. In a recent study, researchers examined the heat stress response of 55 potato varieties to estimate how they might fare under changing climate conditions. The news is not good. Details here.
Antibiotic-resistant bacteria widespread in Ontario waterways
Canadian Science Publishing It turns out antibiotic-resistant bacteria are far more ubiquitous than previously thought. A new study published in the Canadian Journal of Microbiology tested the prevalence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in four aquatic environments in southern Ontario—and found them everywhere. Story here. RELATED: " In Hogs We Trust" - Part 1 - Antibiotic Overuse.
Fatal horizon, driven by acidification, closes in on marine organisms in Southern Ocean
PHYS ORG A tiny sea creature at the California Academy of Sciences. Photo by Brian Skipworth Marine microorganisms in the Southern Ocean may find themselves in a deadly vise grip by century's end as ocean acidification creates a shallower horizon for life, new University of Colorado Boulder research finds. More here.
The Roundup row: is the world’s most popular weedkiller carcinogenic?
The Guardian Producer Monsanto is facing thousands of lawsuits from customers who now have cancer. But not all experts are convinced of a link… Story here. --> But not all suspicions about Roundup are confined to its effects on humans. What about food crops and livestock? Watch my video, below and decide for yourself! RELATED: " Field of Nightmares: Ottawa promotes the use of Roundup by Canadian Farmers, Letting Corporate Seduction Trump Scientific Evidence. "
Green Party of Manitoba opposes "frack" sand operation
Green Party of Manitoba. A Green Party of Manitoba Environment Advocate Dave Nickarz has sent a letter to Minister squire in opposition to the proposed Wanipigow Sand Extraction Project. For a copy of that letter, click here. RELATED: " Peace camp set up in Manitoba's Hollow Water First Nation to oppose sand mine project."
Extinction Rebellion Rising Up In Canada
2degreesC Humans are facing an unprecedented global emergency. Governments and world leaders are failing to protect us. The time for gradual, incremental and non-disruptive climate action has come and gone. To survive, it will take everything we’ve got. It will take rebellion. ~ Below2°C Editor. Story here.
Insecticide Linked to Increased Breast Cancer Risk — 40 Years After Exposure
truthout A Wikimedia photo. “Environmental exposures that occur during important periods of breast development can play a role in later-life breast cancer risk,” states one cancer specialist. Story here. RELATED: Research Suggests Our Past, Prolific Use of the Insecticide DDT May Still Be Contributing To A Scourge Of Modern-Day Diseases Related To Obesity.