Revision as of 05:58, 30 April 2023 (edit)94.46.247.70 (talk)← Older edit Latest revision as of 18:04, 17 July 2023 (edit) (undo)46.102.159.125 (talk) (13 intermediate revisions by 13 users not shown)Line 1: Line 1: −Union Pacific Houston Cancer - Is Creosote Still Affecting Houstonians?<br /><br />For decades, neighbors in Houston's Fifth Ward have argued the company hasn't done enough to remove creosote in the underground air at its contaminated rail yard. And now, the most recent tests have revealed that the contamination may still be affecting people who live near.<br /><br />Researchers believe it is due to the high number of cancers in the area. Two years into a health study conducted by the state they discovered higher than expected levels of childhood lymphoblastic leukemia and adult renal and kidney pelvis cancers in neighborhoods surrounding the Union Pacific site.<br /><br />Creosote<br /><br />Creosote is one of the most common chemicals employed in the treatment of wood. It is also a dangerous substance and can cause cancers in those exposed to it.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />It is a thick oily substance, from amber to black in color. It has a smokey scent and a bitter taste. It is a coal-tar distillation product that has been used for more than 150 years as a wood preserver.<br /><br />It is utilized in the United States to treat railroad ties, as well as other types of woods, such as fence posts and utility poles, as well as marine pilings. It is also employed to protect log homes and other structures from insects and rot infestation.<br /><br />The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) says that creosote may be an extremely hazardous chemical. When exposed to creosote, even for brief periods may cause skin and eye irritation chemical burns stomach pains, burning of the throat or mouth, kidney or liver problems and even permanent damage.<br /><br />Long-term exposure can lead to skin and scrotum tumors. Workers who come in direct contact with it during wood treatment and other manufacturing processes are at risk.<br /><br />According to the EPA, it is a likely human cancer-causing agent. It has been linked with various cancers, including esophageal as well lung cancer.<br /><br />Houston's Fifth Ward residents have been exposed for a long time to creosote due to a railroad yard close to their homes. They claim that the chemical has caused soil and homes to be contaminated and continues to spread underground.<br /><br />The cities of Houston and Harris County have joined the campaign to sue Union Pacific in federal court. They are demanding that the company test for contamination on a regular basis and take preventative measures to stop the spread.<br /><br />A group of Fifth Ward neighbors filed a lawsuit against Union Pacific in October of 2017. They claim that creosote contaminated their soil and caused significant health issues as a result of the former rail yard.<br /><br />They are seeking damages from the railroad to cover the costs of cleanup and other related costs. They also claim that they are victimized by environmental racism and discrimination as well as other kinds of pollution that have affected their families and themselves.<br /><br />Dioxin<br /><br />Dioxins are chemical compounds that do not break down in the environment quickly , and can remain in the air, in the soil, or sediment for a lengthy period. They can come from various sources, such as natural catastrophes, industrial accidents smoking cigarettes, and incineration of hazardous waste.<br /><br />Although the health effects of dioxin in low concentrations aren't known however, there is evidence to suggest that they can trigger serious illnesses such as cancer. Higher levels of dioxin are linked to a higher risk of organ cancers, heart disease, immune problems, and endocrine disorders, such as hormonal imbalances. They can also cause problems with hormones, immune suppression womenstrual issues, diabetes and weight loss.<br /><br />According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the most common way that people are exposed dioxin is through drinking or eating. They aren't volatile nor water-soluble, which means they are more easily absorbable by the body via the consumption of meat, dairy products as well as fish and other seafood.<br /><br />However, it is important to remember that the level of exposure that has negative effects on your health is dependent on many factors, including the amount you eat or drink, the frequency you eat or drink and how much air you breathe. It is also essential to take into consideration your gender, age and nutrition status, as well as diet and family characteristics, as well as other health factors that may affect whether you are affected by dioxins or not.<br /><br />The type of contaminant crucial. According to the EPA certain toxins are more harmful than others to human health. Polychlorinated biphenyls or PCBs are more likely than creosote negatively impact your health.<br /><br />PCBs can cause damage to eyes and liver, kidneys and kidneys. They can also damage the immune system and cause problems in the development of healthy teeth, bones and bones.<br /><br />Houston's Fifth Ward and Kashmere Garden neighbors have complained for years about cluster of cancer deaths that are connected to the Union Pacific rail yard. The yard is located next to their homes. The announcement released on Friday by Houston's health department stated that it discovered cancer-causing chemicals in surfaces near the rail yard. The announcement said the results were "not encouraging." Mayor Sylvester Turner told FOX 26 that he's planning to take legal action against Union Pacific over the matter and said that a proposal submitted to Texas environmental regulators will not be sufficient in light of the findings.<br /><br />Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs)<br /><br />PCBs, also known as polychlorinated biphenyls, are harmful chemicals that have been in use for more than 60 years in consumer and industrial products. After being proven to cause cancer and to suppress the immune system the immune system, these chemicals were banned in 1979.<br /><br />PCBs can cause contamination of soil, water, and air in a variety of regions of the world once they are released into the environment. They are strong binders of organic matter and can be transported easily and accumulated in the environment.<br /><br />As a result, PCBs constitute a major risk for the protection of health and safety of people and the environment. They are considered a probable human carcinogen by EPA, and have been proven to cause cancer in laboratory animals.<br /><br />Certain studies also link PCBs to birth defects in children. This is particularly relevant for children who are exposed to these chemicals during the womb.<br /><br />The primary route for exposure to PCBs is through food items. Since they are the most abundant in PCBs fish is the most significant source of exposure. However, PCBs can also found in beef, dairy products and other agricultural products.<br /><br />Another method of being exposed to PCBs is through drinking and showering with water that is affected by PCBs. This could be due to leaks or spills that could occur in electrical and other equipment.<br /><br /> [https://www.mosley.top/why-you-should-concentrate-on-improving-railroad-workers-and-cancer/ Railroad Workers Cancer] may also be exposed to PCBs by breathing in the air or skin contact. These chemicals can trigger the condition known as Chloracne. This is small pale, yellow-colored skin lesions that can last from months or even years.<br /><br />However the effects of PCBs on human health are not yet completely comprehended. Some researchers have suggested they could cause liver or biliary tract cancer in humans, but more studies are needed to discover what this means for us.<br /><br />EPA has also been examining whether these chemicals could cause birth defects in newborns, including less weight at birth. A low birth weight has been associated with Type II diabetes, insulin resistance as well as high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease later in life. Two studies found that children born with higher levels PCBs in their cord blood were born with lower birth weights and/or a later age.<br /><br />Lead<br /><br />Lead is a poisonous metal that is found in many products, such as paints, pipes and food cans. The body absorbs it via two routes: oral and respiratory.<br /><br />It is a powerful antioxidant that can react with other chemicals in the surrounding. It is able to accumulate in the body, and could cause serious health issues, such as cancer and other ailments.<br /><br />In Houston, people who live close to a creosote-based treatment plant owned by the Union Pacific Railroad have a high rate of cancer. The city has asked the federal government to instruct the railroad to clean up its contaminated site.<br /><br />The Union Pacific Railroad has a history of having its rail yard contaminated in the Fifth Ward and Kashmere Gardens neighborhood with carcinogenic chemicals to humans, including creosote. Residents claim that the railroad has been trying to eliminate the contamination, but the plan submitted to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality was not sufficient.<br /><br />One of the biggest issues that resulted due to the contamination is the groundwater plume beneath homes in the region. A recent study by health officials has revealed that soil samples taken from the rail yard have an increased amount of creosote than what is required for drinking water.<br /><br />Another issue is the slow release of creosote to the atmosphere. As it is, it causes residents to breathe in dangerous levels of vapors which are dangerous for children and adults.<br /><br />It is also possible that vapors are causing cancers in the residents who are breathing them in. To find out more about the effect of the vapors on lives of residents an in-depth survey of the residents is being done in the neighborhood.<br /><br />This is a major issue for the Fifth Ward and Kashmere Garden communities. This is a very sad situation that needs to be dealt with immediately.<br /><br />A recent study by the Department of State Health Services found that children living in the Fifth Ward and Kashmere Garden communities contracted a form leukemia at a five-fold higher rate than expected. The study also revealed that adult cancers were more prevalent in these neighborhoods than in other areas of Texas.<br /><br />+A Gardening Guide For Beginners<br /><br />Gardening isn't a necessity. Learn how to grow plants successfully with our easy gardening guide for novices!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Plant vegetables that you and your family will love eating. A small vegetable garden, like an area of 10' x 12' raised bed, is the perfect size for gardeners who are new to gardening. Make it manageable by putting in only the kinds of vegetables you can realistically grow.<br /><br />Soil<br /><br />If you want your garden to thrive, the soil must be healthy. Soil is a multifaceted living thing that has a major influence on the health of your plants and the food you will gather. It is a living thing that is made up of minerals of various dimensions and textures. It also hosts many different organisms, ranging from bacteria to prairie dogs, and also transfers nutrients back into the soil from the roots.<br /><br />The quality of soil varies from place to place, city to city, and even yard to yard. Certain soils are rocky and soggy, whereas others are clay-like and hard. The most suitable gardening soil is loamy. It's a combination of sand, silt and clay that allows water to remain but drains well.<br /><br />To determine the soil's texture, take a sample and feel it. Sand feels gritty, silt is similar to moist talcum powder and clay is slippery. Good garden soil has a coarse texture and has clumps of roots, clinging organic matter, and humus. It is easy to work when wet and doesn't form hardballs when squeezed.<br /><br />If your garden receives plenty of sunlight and the soil drains well then you're getting off to a good start. If it doesn't, make a plan to improve the soil, and then choose vegetables that are easy for novices to grow, such as leafy greens and root crops. If you are limited in space, you can boost your yield by using raised beds. You can also begin with a small area and expand it as you gain experience and interest. The key is to enjoy the process of gardening, instead of viewing it as a chore to be avoided or feared.<br /><br />Water<br /><br />No matter if you're planting your favorite vegetables or flowers, water is key. Beginner gardeners should be aware that they will have to tend their plants to ensure they have enough water. If you don't water your garden frequently the plants will begin to lose their vigor. To prevent [https://writeablog.net/theoryadult1/could-garden-ideas-be-the-key-to-achieving-2023 gardening ideas] , make sure to choose a location that receives plenty of sunlight (avoid areas that are overshadowed) and is protected from the wind, if it is possible. Make sure you check the soil frequently and only plant plants that are suitable for your climate.<br /><br />One of the most common mistakes novices make is to plant too much of one vegetable. This can result in overcrowding and a lack of space for other crops. Instead, begin with a 10'x 10' garden and only plant only what you can utilize and eat.<br /><br />You can test your soil in order to determine the type of garden mix that you will need. You can test your soil in a variety of ways, but a pH or squeeze test is the simplest. It is essential to know before you begin, as it will allow you to determine what you should add or remove from the soil.<br /><br />Gardening is a therapeutic and meditative activity that can make your garden look amazing. However, it's difficult to determine where to begin as a novice. Hayes Garden World has compiled an inventory of the most important gardening chores that can be done to create a flourishing garden. With a little planning, you can have a lush garden that you are proud of in the shortest amount of time!<br /><br />Sunlight<br /><br />If you're looking to plant your own vegetables or flowers, understanding how sunlight affects their development and growth is crucial. This is because plants require sunlight to carry out photosynthesis, which turns light into energy and produces organic compounds that fuel growth or serve other reasons.<br /><br />You will find that while many fruits, vegetables, and flowers can survive in less than 6 hours of direct sun each day, they grow faster in full sunlight. This is due to the chlorophyll in their leaves absorbs the sun's rayons to produce sugars and oxygen. This is why putting them in a sunny spot with enough space is an excellent idea.<br /><br />When planting your garden, make it a point of observing the sun's movement throughout the course of the day to get a better idea of how much sunlight each part of your yard receives. This is particularly important in areas with a lot of shade, where the sun may be filtered or dappled. Some plants, like Ferns and hostas, can tolerate deep shade better than other varieties. This allows you to plant them in areas that other plants might struggle with.<br /><br />There is a lot to learn about gardening but it's also a great activity that can provide many benefits for your health. It provides exercise, social interaction and exposure to natural sunlight. Working in the garden improves strength, dexterity, and burns off lots of calories. And, if you're growing your own food, the fruits and vegetables that you harvest will save money at the store. [https://hastings-dickens.thoughtlanes.net/ask-me-anything-ten-answers-to-your-questions-about-gardening-ideas vegetable gardening] is an excellent pastime to help you relax and unwind and also learn valuable skills that can be utilized in other aspects of your life.<br /><br />Pruning<br /><br />Pruning is among the most important and often most intimidating aspects of garden maintenance. But, with the right equipment and basic understanding, it's a simple task. Pruning can enhance the appearance of any tree or shrub and aid in maintaining healthy plants. [https://blogfreely.net/bottommonth9/the-often-unknown-benefits-of-gardening-beginner-tips vegetable gardening] can be employed to correct a weak plant structure or to alter the design of the landscape. Pruning consists of removing dead, damaged or diseased branches, and encouraging new growth to replace them. Pruning also allows you to keep an eye on your plants and get rid of any issues with insects or diseases as soon as they appear.<br /><br />It is crucial to know when to prune because removing too much at one time can deprive the plant of needed nutrients and moisture. The best time to trim depends on the type and needs of the plant.<br /><br />The woody plants that bloom in spring should be cut back just after they flower since they place their flowers on old wood (growth from the previous year). This includes Azaleas (Cornus species) and Rhododendrons (Cornus spp), dogwoods (Cornus species), lilacs and forsythias (Forsythia species).<br /><br />Plants that flower in summer should be pruned late winter or early in the spring, before the new growth begins. This includes beauty bush, abelia, butterfly bush, clematis, summer or fall-blooming hydrangeas, Japanese spirea and roses.<br /><br />Most deciduous plants can be restored in the fall or spring with a bit of trimming. This is particularly the case for plants that are susceptible to becoming overgrown and out-of-shape like heucheras, the euonymus holly, pyracanthas and e laurels, (Prunus lusitanica and P. laurocerasus) or pieris, and camellias. Pruning can be done lightly anytime to control the dimensions and shape of these plants, but it is most effective in the early spring.<br /><br />Harvesting<br /><br />Gardening is a great method to teach children about the cycle of life and how plants develop. They can learn the cycle of life, and learn how to grow plants. They can also enjoy eating the fruits and vegetables they have produced. It is essential for young children to be closely watched when working in the garden.<br /><br />Some plants are more difficult to cultivate than others. Before starting a garden, it is a good idea research what plants can be grown successfully in your climate. Some vegetable varieties are prone to insect and disease and some are more robust. [https://cardenas-dickens.mdwrite.net/5-killer-quora-answers-on-raised-garden-beds design a garden] is also helpful to know the growing time of the plants and vegetables you are considering growing. Some plants grow quickly while others require longer to mature.<br /><br />It is beneficial to keep track of when a certain plant will be ready for harvesting, as it will help you avoid making mistakes. You can do this by writing your planned dates for planting and harvesting on the calendar, or by drawing a diagram of your garden and then adding the information to it.<br /><br />If you are worried about pests, use natural methods of controlling them. You can help attract birds or frogs to be part of your garden by providing them with food. Pest control can also be achieved using floating row covers, yellow sticky-traps and the use of horticultural oils.<br /><br />It is essential to always have access to water in your garden. This is important, especially when germinating seedlings and transplanting plants into the garden. They need to stay damp. You can use a hose and spray nozzle to water your garden or you can set up drip irrigation or a soaker hose that is connected to a timer for steady and consistent watering.<br /><br /> Latest revision as of 18:04, 17 July 2023 A Gardening Guide For BeginnersGardening isn't a necessity. Learn how to grow plants successfully with our easy gardening guide for novices!Plant vegetables that you and your family will love eating. A small vegetable garden, like an area of 10' x 12' raised bed, is the perfect size for gardeners who are new to gardening. Make it manageable by putting in only the kinds of vegetables you can realistically grow.SoilIf you want your garden to thrive, the soil must be healthy. Soil is a multifaceted living thing that has a major influence on the health of your plants and the food you will gather. It is a living thing that is made up of minerals of various dimensions and textures. It also hosts many different organisms, ranging from bacteria to prairie dogs, and also transfers nutrients back into the soil from the roots.The quality of soil varies from place to place, city to city, and even yard to yard. Certain soils are rocky and soggy, whereas others are clay-like and hard. The most suitable gardening soil is loamy. It's a combination of sand, silt and clay that allows water to remain but drains well.To determine the soil's texture, take a sample and feel it. Sand feels gritty, silt is similar to moist talcum powder and clay is slippery. Good garden soil has a coarse texture and has clumps of roots, clinging organic matter, and humus. It is easy to work when wet and doesn't form hardballs when squeezed.If your garden receives plenty of sunlight and the soil drains well then you're getting off to a good start. If it doesn't, make a plan to improve the soil, and then choose vegetables that are easy for novices to grow, such as leafy greens and root crops. If you are limited in space, you can boost your yield by using raised beds. You can also begin with a small area and expand it as you gain experience and interest. The key is to enjoy the process of gardening, instead of viewing it as a chore to be avoided or feared.WaterNo matter if you're planting your favorite vegetables or flowers, water is key. Beginner gardeners should be aware that they will have to tend their plants to ensure they have enough water. If you don't water your garden frequently the plants will begin to lose their vigor. To prevent gardening ideas , make sure to choose a location that receives plenty of sunlight (avoid areas that are overshadowed) and is protected from the wind, if it is possible. Make sure you check the soil frequently and only plant plants that are suitable for your climate.One of the most common mistakes novices make is to plant too much of one vegetable. This can result in overcrowding and a lack of space for other crops. Instead, begin with a 10'x 10' garden and only plant only what you can utilize and eat.You can test your soil in order to determine the type of garden mix that you will need. You can test your soil in a variety of ways, but a pH or squeeze test is the simplest. It is essential to know before you begin, as it will allow you to determine what you should add or remove from the soil.Gardening is a therapeutic and meditative activity that can make your garden look amazing. However, it's difficult to determine where to begin as a novice. Hayes Garden World has compiled an inventory of the most important gardening chores that can be done to create a flourishing garden. With a little planning, you can have a lush garden that you are proud of in the shortest amount of time!SunlightIf you're looking to plant your own vegetables or flowers, understanding how sunlight affects their development and growth is crucial. This is because plants require sunlight to carry out photosynthesis, which turns light into energy and produces organic compounds that fuel growth or serve other reasons.You will find that while many fruits, vegetables, and flowers can survive in less than 6 hours of direct sun each day, they grow faster in full sunlight. This is due to the chlorophyll in their leaves absorbs the sun's rayons to produce sugars and oxygen. This is why putting them in a sunny spot with enough space is an excellent idea.When planting your garden, make it a point of observing the sun's movement throughout the course of the day to get a better idea of how much sunlight each part of your yard receives. This is particularly important in areas with a lot of shade, where the sun may be filtered or dappled. Some plants, like Ferns and hostas, can tolerate deep shade better than other varieties. This allows you to plant them in areas that other plants might struggle with.There is a lot to learn about gardening but it's also a great activity that can provide many benefits for your health. It provides exercise, social interaction and exposure to natural sunlight. Working in the garden improves strength, dexterity, and burns off lots of calories. And, if you're growing your own food, the fruits and vegetables that you harvest will save money at the store. vegetable gardening is an excellent pastime to help you relax and unwind and also learn valuable skills that can be utilized in other aspects of your life.PruningPruning is among the most important and often most intimidating aspects of garden maintenance. But, with the right equipment and basic understanding, it's a simple task. Pruning can enhance the appearance of any tree or shrub and aid in maintaining healthy plants. vegetable gardening can be employed to correct a weak plant structure or to alter the design of the landscape. Pruning consists of removing dead, damaged or diseased branches, and encouraging new growth to replace them. Pruning also allows you to keep an eye on your plants and get rid of any issues with insects or diseases as soon as they appear.It is crucial to know when to prune because removing too much at one time can deprive the plant of needed nutrients and moisture. The best time to trim depends on the type and needs of the plant.The woody plants that bloom in spring should be cut back just after they flower since they place their flowers on old wood (growth from the previous year). This includes Azaleas (Cornus species) and Rhododendrons (Cornus spp), dogwoods (Cornus species), lilacs and forsythias (Forsythia species).Plants that flower in summer should be pruned late winter or early in the spring, before the new growth begins. This includes beauty bush, abelia, butterfly bush, clematis, summer or fall-blooming hydrangeas, Japanese spirea and roses.Most deciduous plants can be restored in the fall or spring with a bit of trimming. This is particularly the case for plants that are susceptible to becoming overgrown and out-of-shape like heucheras, the euonymus holly, pyracanthas and e laurels, (Prunus lusitanica and P. laurocerasus) or pieris, and camellias. Pruning can be done lightly anytime to control the dimensions and shape of these plants, but it is most effective in the early spring.HarvestingGardening is a great method to teach children about the cycle of life and how plants develop. They can learn the cycle of life, and learn how to grow plants. They can also enjoy eating the fruits and vegetables they have produced. It is essential for young children to be closely watched when working in the garden.Some plants are more difficult to cultivate than others. Before starting a garden, it is a good idea research what plants can be grown successfully in your climate. Some vegetable varieties are prone to insect and disease and some are more robust. design a garden is also helpful to know the growing time of the plants and vegetables you are considering growing. Some plants grow quickly while others require longer to mature.It is beneficial to keep track of when a certain plant will be ready for harvesting, as it will help you avoid making mistakes. You can do this by writing your planned dates for planting and harvesting on the calendar, or by drawing a diagram of your garden and then adding the information to it.If you are worried about pests, use natural methods of controlling them. You can help attract birds or frogs to be part of your garden by providing them with food. Pest control can also be achieved using floating row covers, yellow sticky-traps and the use of horticultural oils.It is essential to always have access to water in your garden. This is important, especially when germinating seedlings and transplanting plants into the garden. They need to stay damp. You can use a hose and spray nozzle to water your garden or you can set up drip irrigation or a soaker hose that is connected to a timer for steady and consistent watering.