EPA Guideline for Determination of “Good Engineering Practice” Stack Height.
A culture of bad things handled in bad ways’: NC State employees question Poe Hall handling
More than 100 people who spent time in Poe Hall report cancer diagnosis to WRAL
That stack is butt-ass ugly anyway.
And in conclusion, it is most likely the Academic Industrial Complex most likely giving you cancer…
- https://www.msn.com/en-us/health/other/reports-of-cancers-linked-to-nc-state-building-spur-controversy-here-s-what-s-happening/ar-BB1i5vAb
- https://www.cbs17.com/news/local-news/wake-county-news/nc-state-requests-cdc-investigation-into-poe-hall-contamination-issues/
- https://www.cbs17.com/news/local-news/wake-county-news/poe-hall-class-action-lawsuit-begins-amid-vote-of-no-confidence-in-nc-state-administrators/
- https://www.wral.com/story/nc-state-chancellor-vice-chancellor-receive-vote-of-no-confidence-over-handling-of-poe-hall/21280384/
- https://bricklayers.history.ncsu.edu/items/show/28
- https://www.epa.gov/scram/air-quality-dispersion-modeling-preferred-and-recommended-models
- https://www.deq.nc.gov/about/divisions/air-quality/air-quality-permitting/modeling-meteorology/meteorological-data
- https://www.google.com/earth/about/versions/#earth-pro
“Words have no power to impress the mind without the exquisite horror of their reality.” – Edgar Allen Poe
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31566127/
Along this path Dorothy, be careful what falls from the sky, and your scarecrow friend might be smart to hold off on his new brain until later.
When mercury (Hg) emission limits are exceeded in a solid waste incinerator, the consequences can be particularly concerning for both human health and the environment. Here are some of the risks associated with excess mercury emissions:
Human Health Risks:
Neurological Effects: Mercury is a neurotoxin. Its most profound impacts are on the nervous system. Methylmercury exposure in the womb, which can result from a mother’s diet or exposure to mercury vapor, can adversely affect a baby’s growing brain and nervous system. Impacts on cognitive thinking, memory, attention, language, and fine motor and visual spatial skills have been seen in children exposed to methylmercury in the womb.
Cardiovascular Effects: Some studies have also suggested a link between mercury exposure and increased risks of cardiovascular diseases.
Immune System: Mercury exposure might weaken the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to diseases.
Digestive and Immune Systems Effects: High levels of mercury exposure can harm the digestive, nervous, and immune systems, lungs, kidneys, skin, and eyes.
Environmental Risks:
Bioaccumulation in Aquatic Ecosystems: Mercury can be converted to methylmercury (its most toxic form) in water bodies. Methylmercury can bioaccumulate in fish and other aquatic organisms. As larger animals consume smaller ones, the concentration of mercury increases up the food chain. Top predators, including some species of fish that humans consume, can have mercury concentrations millions of times higher than the surrounding habitat.
Wildlife Poisoning: Birds and mammals that eat fish can also consume large amounts of mercury, leading to behavioral changes, decreased reproduction, and even death in some species.
Soil and Vegetation Contamination: Mercury deposition can affect terrestrial environments, leading to contamination of soil and vegetation, which can then enter the food web.
Operational Risks for the Incinerator:
Regulatory Penalties: Exceeding mercury emission limits can lead to legal repercussions, financial penalties, and requirements for corrective action by the facility.
Public Perception: Public awareness of the dangers of mercury is relatively high, so violations can lead to significant public outcry, damaged reputation, and possible litigation.
Global Transport: Mercury emissions don’t just stay local. Mercury can undergo long-range transport in the atmosphere, meaning emissions from one location can impact regions far away, making it a global concern.
Given the severe health and environmental risks associated with mercury, many countries have strict regulations governing its emission from industrial sources, including solid waste incinerators. Efforts to reduce mercury emissions include the use of cleaner technologies, air pollution control devices, and international agreements like the Minamata Convention on Mercury.
I thought it uncanny that the “path integral” of the highest predicted concentrations of hazardous air pollutants in a 1 km square grid, originating from the solid waste incinerator AERMOD dispersion model output (yellow outlined squares), computed using five-year weather data and including pollutants such as Dioxins, PM10, and Mercury, etc., all pass directly through the center of The Acreage community 11 km away to the West and then toward the WNW, the secondary area of increased brain tumors.
I can’t think of anything scarier than that brain cancer cluster in children or the Wicked Witch to the West. So you take care on this path Dorothy, it is surrounded by danger.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31566127/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Action_(physics)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Path_integral_formulation
un·can·ny: Strange or mysterious, especially in an unsettling way:
“an uncanny feeling that the path she was on would lead to danger”
Typically, each year, one in 30,000 to 40,000 children in the United States is expected to develop a brain tumor; but the Acreage, with a population of 39,000, had four pediatric brain-tumor cases between 2005 and 2007. Though the investigation turned up thirteen brain tumors in Acreage kids between 1994 and 2007, the official cluster consisted of just three girls, all of whom were diagnosed with brain cancer between 2005 and 2007. Based on the calculations in the report from the Florida Department of Health, a girl’s chance of getting a brain tumor in the Acreage was five and a half times what it was in the rest of Florida. And that scary figure didn’t include the four additional Acreage children who were diagnosed with brain tumors the following year, 2008. Nor did it account for the fact that many of the cases were clumped in the northern part of the study area, which meant that the concentration of cancer in that particular spot was even higher there than what the Health Department had found in the larger area. Indeed, some of the children with cancer had lived just 1,000 feet from one another. [2]
Dioxins and furans refer to a group of toxic chemical compounds that are unintentionally produced as by-products during combustion processes, such as those in solid waste incinerators. When emission limits for dioxins and furans are exceeded in a nearby solid waste incinerator, there are potential risks for both human health and the environment:
Human Health Risks:
Cancer: Dioxins have been classified by the World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) as a Group 1 carcinogen, which means they are known to be carcinogenic to humans. Prolonged exposure to dioxins can increase the risk of certain cancers.
Reproductive and Developmental Issues: Dioxins can interfere with hormones in the body and have been linked to reproductive and developmental problems.
Damage to the Immune System: There’s evidence to suggest that dioxins can weaken the immune system, increasing susceptibility to infectious diseases.
Endocrine Disruption: Dioxins can interfere with the endocrine system, affecting hormone production and function.
Skin Disorders: Exposure to high levels of dioxins can cause a skin condition called chloracne, which is characterized by severe acne-like lesions.
Potential Impacts on the Liver: Some studies have shown that dioxins might cause liver damage over time.
Environmental Risks:
Bioaccumulation: Like mercury, dioxins and furans can accumulate in the food chain. They bind strongly to soil and sediment particles and can remain in the environment for a long time. As a result, these compounds can be ingested by small organisms and then move up the food chain, accumulating in higher concentrations in larger organisms.
Toxicity to Aquatic Life: Dioxins and furans can be toxic to aquatic life, impacting the health and reproductive capabilities of fish and other aquatic organisms.
Wildlife Impact: As dioxins and furans bioaccumulate, top predators in ecosystems can be significantly affected. For instance, birds of prey that consume fish with high dioxin content can suffer reproductive impairments.
Other Concerns:
Long Persistence in the Environment: Dioxins and furans are highly persistent compounds, meaning they don’t degrade easily. As a result, once released into the environment, they can remain for many years, continuing to pose risks.
Long Half-life in the Human Body: Once ingested, dioxins and furans can stay in the human body for a long time, with a half-life estimated at 7 to 11 years.
Given the serious health and environmental implications of dioxin and furan emissions, it’s vital for solid waste incinerators to have stringent control measures and technologies in place to reduce their release. Additionally, ongoing monitoring and regulation are critical to ensuring that emission limits are consistently met and that public health is protected.
- https://experttoxicologist.com/toxicology-toxic-exposures-tcdd-dioxin.aspx#:~:text=TCDD%20is%20characterized%20as%20%22extremely%20toxic%22%20and%20is,very%20small%20amounts%20are%20present%20in%20the%20blood.
- https://www.typeinvestigations.org/investigation/2014/10/16/cancer-came-acreage/
- https://prodenv.dep.state.fl.us/DepNexus/public/electronic-documents/AIR_0990234/facility!search?pagination=true&electronicDocument.airDivision=false&electronicDocument.waterDivision=false&electronicDocument.wasteDivision=false&electronicDocument.documentType=&electronicDocument.dateFrom=&electronicDocument.dateTo=&electronicDocument.dateReceivedFrom=&electronicDocument.dateReceivedTo=&electronicDocument.subject=&electronicDocument.facilityId=AIR_0990234&electronicDocument.permitId=&electronicDocument.facilityDistrict=&electronicDocument.facilityCounty=&electronicDocument.sortCriteria=&tagConfig.criteriaTagType=regular&tagConfig.genInfoTagType=regular&tagConfig.listTagType=short&showBreadCrumb=false&page=52
- Xu, J., Ye, Y., Huang, F. et al. Association between dioxin and cancer incidence and mortality: a meta-analysis. Sci Rep 6, 38012 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1038/srep38012
Colonia High School District Brain Cancers
Staten Island High Cancer Rate
Radioactive particulates that could potentially be emitted from a solid waste incinerator can originate from various sources, such as medical waste, certain industrial materials, or naturally occurring radioactive elements present in the waste. The specific types of radioactive particulates and their half-lives would depend on the composition of the waste being incinerated. Here are some examples of potential radioactive particulates and their half-lives:
Radon (Rn-222): Radon is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless radioactive gas that can be released during the incineration process. It is a decay product of uranium-238 (U-238), which can be found in certain waste materials. Radon has a half-life of approximately 3.8 days.
Cesium-137 (Cs-137): Cesium-137 is a radioactive isotope that can be released during the incineration of materials containing cesium, such as certain industrial and medical waste. It has a half-life of about 30 years.
Strontium-90 (Sr-90): Strontium-90 is a radioactive isotope that can be present in waste due to its use in certain industrial and medical applications. It has a half-life of approximately 28.8 years.
Plutonium-239 (Pu-239): Plutonium-239 is a radioactive isotope that can be formed as a byproduct of nuclear reactions and may be present in certain waste materials. It has a half-life of around 24,110 years.
Uranium-235 (U-235) and Uranium-238 (U-238): Uranium isotopes can be present in waste materials from various sources, including medical and industrial applications. U-235 has a half-life of about 703.8 million years, while U-238 has a significantly longer half-life of about 4.5 billion years.
Technetium-99 (Tc-99): Technetium-99 is a radioactive isotope that can be produced as a byproduct of nuclear fission reactions. It is sometimes used in medical imaging and could potentially be found in waste materials from medical facilities. Tc-99 has a half-life of around 211,000 years.
Americium-241 (Am-241): Americium-241 can be formed as a byproduct of nuclear reactions and may be present in certain waste materials, particularly from industrial and research facilities. It has a half-life of about 432 years.
It’s important to note that not all solid waste incinerators emit radioactive particulates, and the emission levels, as well as the specific isotopes released, would depend on the waste materials being incinerated and the efficiency of the incineration process. Proper regulation and monitoring of incineration facilities are essential to mitigate any potential risks associated with the release of radioactive materials into the environment.
Solid waste incinerators have the potential to emit a range of heavy metals due to the combustion of waste materials containing various metals. The types and concentrations of emitted metals can vary depending on factors such as the composition of the waste, incineration conditions, and the effectiveness of emission control technologies. Some of the common heavy metals that could potentially be emitted from a solid waste incinerator include:
Mercury (Hg): Mercury is a highly toxic heavy metal that can be present in various waste streams, particularly from electronic waste, fluorescent lamps, and medical waste.
Lead (Pb): Lead can be present in batteries, electronic waste, and other discarded items. It’s a toxic metal that can have serious health impacts, especially on children.
Cadmium (Cd): Cadmium can be found in batteries, electronic waste, and certain plastics. It is known to have carcinogenic properties and can cause damage to the kidneys and other organs.
Chromium (Cr): Chromium can be present in various waste materials, including electronic waste and industrial waste. Different forms of chromium have varying levels of toxicity.
Arsenic (As): Arsenic is present in electronic waste, certain treated wood, and other waste materials. It is a highly toxic metalloid with a range of health effects.
Nickel (Ni): Nickel is commonly found in electronic waste, as well as other industrial waste streams. It can contribute to respiratory issues and other health problems.
Copper (Cu): Copper is present in electronic waste, wires, and plumbing fixtures. While essential in small amounts, excessive exposure can be harmful.
Zinc (Zn): Zinc can be emitted from incineration of various waste materials, including tires and electronic waste. It can contribute to environmental pollution and health concerns.
Aluminum (Al): Aluminum is present in a variety of waste materials, including packaging and electronic waste. While not as toxic as some other heavy metals, excessive exposure can have health impacts.
Iron (Fe): Iron can be emitted from incineration, especially if materials like certain textiles or metals are burned. Iron itself is not as toxic as other heavy metals.
It’s important to note that the presence and emissions of these heavy metals depend on the waste composition and the specific waste materials being incinerated. Additionally, proper emission control technologies and regulatory measures are necessary to minimize the release of these heavy metals into the environment and to ensure public health and environmental protection.
https://www.epa.gov/scram/air-quality-dispersion-modeling-preferred-and-recommended-models
https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2020-07/documents/naaqs-pm_ria_final_2006-10.pdf
1989: SW1 Incinerator started up on Jog Rd: https://www.swa.org/Facilities/Facility/Details/Renewable-Energy-Facility-1-9
1994: Acreage Cancers begin showing up: https://www.typeinvestigations.org/investigation/2014/10/16/cancer-came-acreage/#:~:text=Though%20the%20investigation%20turned%20up,cancer%20between%202005%20and%202007.
A wind rose is a graphical representation used to show the frequency and distribution of wind direction and wind speed at a specific location over a defined period of time. It is a useful tool for meteorologists, climatologists, and environmental scientists to visualize and understand wind patterns.
The wind rose is typically displayed as a circular diagram, with the circle divided into segments or sectors, each representing a different wind direction (e.g., north, northeast, east, southeast, etc.). The length of the segments is proportional to the frequency or duration of winds coming from that particular direction. This allows viewers to quickly grasp which wind directions are most common or dominant at the location.
Additionally, wind roses often use color coding or shading to indicate wind speed ranges within each sector. This provides information about the frequency of different wind speeds associated with each direction. For example, longer segments in a sector may represent stronger winds, while shorter segments may indicate weaker winds.
By analyzing wind roses, researchers and planners can gain insights into local wind patterns, prevailing wind directions, and potential wind-related impacts on various activities such as agriculture, construction, air quality, and renewable energy projects like wind farms. Wind roses are particularly useful in identifying potential wind resources for energy production and in understanding how wind influences air pollution dispersion and transport in a specific region.
Particulate matter emitted from an incinerator stack can travel downwind. The extent and distance to which the particulate matter can travel depend on various factors such as wind speed, wind direction, atmospheric conditions, and the size and weight of the particles.
When an incinerator burns waste, it releases combustion byproducts, including particulate matter, into the air through its stack. These particles can be carried by the wind in the direction of the prevailing wind, dispersing them over a certain distance downwind. The larger and heavier particles tend to settle closer to the incinerator, while smaller and lighter particles can be carried further away.
It’s important to note that the dispersion of particulate matter from an incinerator stack is influenced by the design and height of the stack, as well as any emission control measures in place. Incinerators are typically equipped with air pollution control devices, such as electrostatic precipitators or fabric filters, which help remove particulate matter before it is released into the atmosphere. These measures aim to reduce the amount of particulate matter emitted and minimize the environmental impact.
Local regulations and emission standards also play a significant role in controlling the dispersion of particulate matter from incinerators. These regulations set limits on emissions and require monitoring and reporting to ensure compliance, thus helping to mitigate the potential impacts of particulate matter on air quality and human health.
The combustion waste products of a solid waste incinerator before entering emissions control equipment can vary depending on the type of waste being incinerated, the design of the incinerator, and the combustion process. However, in general, the primary waste products produced during incineration are:
- Particulate Matter: This includes fine ash, dust, and other small solid particles that result from incomplete combustion or the burning of solid materials in the waste.
- Gaseous Pollutants: These can include sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), carbon monoxide (CO), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), hydrogen chloride (HCl), and other hazardous air pollutants. These pollutants can be harmful to both human health and the environment.
- Heavy Metals: Some solid wastes may contain heavy metals such as lead, mercury, cadmium, and chromium, which can be released as gases or condensed onto particulate matter during incineration.
- Dioxins and Furans: These are highly toxic and persistent organic pollutants that can form during the combustion process, especially when burning certain types of waste, like plastics or chlorine-containing materials.
- Acidic Gases: Emissions of acidic gases, such as sulfur dioxide and hydrogen chloride, can contribute to acid rain formation if they are not properly controlled.
It is important to note that the emissions control equipment installed in the incineration process is designed to minimize the release of these waste products into the atmosphere. Technologies like scrubbers, baghouses, electrostatic precipitators, and selective catalytic reduction (SCR) systems are used to remove or reduce particulate matter, gases, and other pollutants before the flue gases are released from the stack. This ensures compliance with emission standards and reduces the environmental impact of incineration.
Solid waste at disposal sites can potentially contain radioactive materials. Radioactive materials can be generated from various sources, including medical facilities, research laboratories, industrial processes, and nuclear power plants. Some common radioactive materials found in solid waste may include:
- Radioactive Isotopes: These are unstable forms of elements that emit radiation as they decay. Radioactive isotopes are commonly used in medical treatments, diagnostic procedures, and research.
- Contaminated Objects: Solid waste from nuclear power plants, laboratories, or industrial facilities may contain objects contaminated with radioactive substances, such as protective clothing, tools, and equipment.
- Naturally Occurring Radioactive Materials (NORM): Some waste materials, such as certain types of mining residues or byproducts from industrial processes, may naturally contain radioactive elements.
- Radioactive Consumer Products: Radioactive materials can also be found in certain consumer products like smoke detectors, luminous watch dials, and antique glassware.
Proper disposal of radioactive waste is essential to ensure public safety and prevent environmental contamination. Radioactive waste is typically subject to specific regulations and guidelines that govern its handling, transportation, and final disposal. Disposal sites that accept radioactive waste must adhere to strict safety protocols and ensure that the waste is isolated and contained effectively to prevent potential harm to human health or the environment.
It’s important to note that not all solid waste at disposal sites contains radioactive materials, but the presence of radioactive waste in some instances underscores the importance of proper waste management and adherence to relevant regulations and safety measures.
It may just be me, but I would request a refund on those emissions control systems. My vote for the cause of the Acreage cancer cluster is a light sprinkling of heavy metals and topped off with a periodic dusting of ionizing radiation.
Dark Matters a Lot 
