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Stop the IES Incinerators in Oakland, CA! Unite to demand Zero Dioxin, Health and Environmental Justice for all!
Tell our government officials to stop the IES medical and solid waste incinerators! Ask them to support healthy communities, zero dioxin, and a phase-out of PVC plastics.
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Greenaction Fact Sheet Stop the Toxic Threat From The IES Incinerators in East Oakland! Tell IES to shut the incinerators and use safer technologies to protect jobs and public health!
OUR HEALTH IS AT RISK IES (Integrated Environmental Systems/Norcal) operates two incinerators at 499 East High Street which burn medical and solid waste near homes, stores, and workplaces. The burning of this waste emits chemicals and metals, including dioxin and mercury, which can cause cancer and other ill-health effects. BURNING PVC PLASTICS = DIOXIN Incineration of PVC (polyvinyl chloride) plastics in medical and solid waste results in emissions of dioxin, one of the most toxic chemicals known. The cities of San Francisco and Oakland, Alameda County Health Department, California Medical Association, and the American Public Health Association all support reducing or eliminating PVC plastics wherever possible. DIOXIN & MERCURY ARE TOXIC POISONS Dioxin is linked to health problems including cancer, birth defects, hormonal changes, declining sperm counts, infertility, endometriosis, testicular atrophy, immune system impairment, and diabetes, as well as detrimental effects on the liver, spleen, bone marrow, and skin. NO AMOUNT OF DIOXIN EXPOSURE IS SAFE A new study by the United States Environmental Protection Agency has found dioxin is more toxic than previously thought, and can cause health problems at even low levels of exposure. We already have too much dioxin in our bodies and no further exposure to even the smallest amount is acceptable. HOSPITALS, DIOXIN, & MERCURY Hospitals and other healthcare providers can greatly reduce pollution by: using alternatives to PVC and mercury-containing medical devices; by minimizing the generation of waste and separating reusable and recyclable materials; and by substituting safer non-incineration technologies to treat waste. POOR TRACK RECORD OF IES IES has been cited for approximately 250 violations since 1990, including dozens since October 1999. Problems continue, jeopardizing the safety of neighbors and workers. Government agencies are guilty of lax enforcement, issuing nominal fines (if any) despite repeat serious offenses. Workers at IES have recently filed safety complaints against the company with OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration), alleging unsafe working conditions. An OSHA inspection found numerous violations at IES. ENVIRONMENTAL AND ECONOMIC JUSTICE Oakland's low-income and people of color neighborhoods should not be the dumping ground for wastes sent from far and wide to be burned here without public input or consent. IES should shut the incinerators and use safer technologies to protect their workers and our community from toxic emissions. |