BIOTERRORISM: are we prepared?

(mini project # 6) 

The question was posed: what precautions are your local city officials taking in regards to a biological terrorism attack? 

What is biological terrorism?

  

A bioterrorism attack is the deliberate release of viruses, bacteria, or other germs (agents) used to cause illness or death in people, animals, or plants. These agents are typically found in nature, but it is possible that they could be changed to increase their ability to cause disease, make them resistant to current medicines, or to increase their ability to be spread into the environment. Biological agents can be spread through the air, through water, or in food. Terrorists may use biological agents because they can be extremely difficult to detect and do not cause illness for several hours to several days. Some bioterrorism agents, like the smallpox virus, can be spread from person to person and some, like anthrax, can not. 

 

The following information is taken from the website of the Florida League of Cities, Inc.  

City of Fort Lauderdale
Mayor Jim Naugle

Fort Lauderdale Emergency Management Response
The City of Fort Lauderdale recognized that during a critical incident or emergency situation cooperation between various agencies and across jurisdictional boundaries is paramount to a successful outcome. The city has taken advantage of two federally funded programs – the Nunn-Luger-Domenici Domestic Preparedness Program and the Metropolitan Medical Response System. The city has offered a Senior Officials Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) Awareness Workshop for city and county elected officials and executive staff.

The Fire-Rescue Civilian Emergency Response Training (CERT) and Community Police Academy curriculum has been modified to include WMD awareness education. An Exercise Design Workshop was presented to multi-agency staff in preparation for designing countywide exercises for practicing coordinated response to acts of terrorism. Subsequent planning for a Chemical Incident Tabletop Exercise, and a Biological Incident Tabletop and full-scale Chemical Incident Field Exercise has been initiated.

The city has presented a WMD Law Enforcement Awareness Training Course to many of the local law enforcement officers, an Emergency Response to Terrorism Operations Training Course to multiple-agency emergency responders, an Emergency Response to Terrorism Train the Trainer Course to instructors of first responder agencies in Broward County, and an Emergency Response to Domestic Biological Incidents Training Course to a countywide audience. In addition, the city has increased permanent staffing of the city’s Fire-Rescue Hazardous Materials Response Team.

The City of Fort Lauderdale has been an active participant on the Governor’s Regional Domestic Security Task Force and the countywide Terrorism Advisory Committee (TAC). The Police Department has a membership in the Florida Intelligence Unit, which is a multi-agency law enforcement unit that specifically targets terrorism from domestic organizations, and the Joint Terrorism Task Force, which promotes intelligence sharing between the FBI and local law enforcement agencies. The city is also participating with local law enforcement and hospitals in exercising mass decontamination, surge capacity and forward movements of patients.

Additionally, the city has completed a Terrorism Annex, which offers shared common protocols for countywide first responder use in WMD events, and procured additional equipment in the area of detection, personal protection and decontamination for the city’s first responders. City employees and regional participants have participated in residential training in the following areas: Incident Response to Terrorist Bombings Training, WMD Hazardous Materials Technician Live Agent Training, and Radiological/Nuclear Responder Operations Training. We have secured grant funding to provide personal protective equipment to Fort Lauderdale Police Department personnel and enhanced equipment for the department’s bomb squad.

Contact Person:
Rhoda Mae Kerr, Deputy Chief
Fort Lauderdale Fire-Rescue
101 N.E. 3rd Avenue, Suite 500
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
Phone: (954) 828-6825
E-mail: RhodaK@ci.fort-lauderdale.fl.us

Or

Chuck Drago, Assistant Chief
Fort Lauderdale Police Department
1300 W. Broward Boulevard
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312
Phone: (954) 828-5589
E-mail: ChuckD@ci.fort-lauderdale.fl.us

SUPERFUNDS

(Mini Project #5)

This week's assignment was to find the closest Superfund Site to my home. What is a Superfund? Very simply, it is a site that has become environmentally hazardous. When this occurs the EPA or the Environmental Protection Agency labels these sites SUPERFUNDS. When an area receives this label it means that it is extremely toxic! These sites have been known to release toxins into the atmosphere or the groundwater, which results in exposure to humans, animals, or agriculture.

Prior to my search I figured what and where the Superfund would be as it is the area near my grandmother's home. Upon my search I validated my guess as fact and found that the closest Superfund to me is :

Facility Name:
WINGATE ROAD MUNICIPAL INCINERATOR DUMP

Location Address:
1300 N. W. 34TH AVENUE
Supplemental Address:
1300 N. W. 34TH AVENUE
City Name:
FORT LAUDERDALE
State
FL
County Name:
BROWARD
ZIP/Postal Code:
33311
EPA Region:
04
Congressional District Number:
23

This site is a sixty acre stretch of land that became contaminated with hazardous waste as a result of the City of Ft. Lauderdale's operation of a landfill and incinerators on the property.

According to documents filed with the United States court of Appeals (11/5/02) in the case of Broward County Tenants Association (and other listed individuals) vs. United States Environmental Protection Agency(and others listed), from 1954 to 1978, the city used the property to operate a landfill and incinerators, causing it to become contaminated with, among other things, arsenic and dioxin. The city never conducted a health study of the site during all those years of operation.

Later in 1989, EPA conducted initial studies of Wingate and added it to the National Priorities List (NPL), a list of hazardous waste sites for which the cleanup was a high priority. A year later, the Florida Department of Health conducted a preliminary study which demonstrated that cancer levels in Broward County were higher in areas surrounding Wingate than any part of the county.(To view this document in its entirety go to:

http://www.ca11.uscourts.gov/opinions/ops/200115117.opn.pdf)

In addition, a local10.com news story from 4/16/02 reports that residents cite high infant mortality rate. More specifically, 56 children in the area were stillborn in 2001.

As stated, this Superfund is near my grandmother's home. She is 85 and a residence of the neighboring area (now Lauderhill) since 1964. Fortunately she is doing great, however my grandfather passed of colon cancer a few years ago.

GENETICALLY ALTERED FOODS

Mini-Project #4

Unlike traditional breeding, genetic engineering (GE) creates new life forms that would never occur in nature, creating new and unpredictable health and environmental risks. To create GE crops, genes form bacteria, viruses, plants, animals, and even humans, have already been inserted into our common food crops, like corn, soy and canola.

This project is to identify foods currently being sold in neighboring stores that contain ingredients on the GE list. Currently there is no regulation or law in place that requires companies to label their food to indicate whether they are genetically engineered. Fortunately truefoodnow.org has made available a list that does indicate these companies, and I quote: "We compiled the list primarily from direct communications with food producers. In some cases, we received company policy statements from consumers who passed these on to us. In addition to written statements, we spoke to many company representatives to clarify or assess their position."

The following list shows companies with products that have confirmed that their products may have or are likely to be made with GE ingredients, or have not denied using GE foods when given the opportunity to do so. There are many more but I am partial to the snack list since I have children.

CONTAINS GENETICALLY ENGINEERED INGREDIENTS

Act II Microwave Popcorn(ConAgra)

Butter Extreme Butter Corn on the Cob Frito-Lay*(PepsiCo)

Lays Potato Chips(all varieties)

Ruffles Potato Chips(all)

Doritos Corn Chips(all)

Tostitos Corn Chips(all)

Fritos Corn Chips(all)

Cheetos(all)

Rold Gold Pretzels(all)

Cracker Jack Popcorn

Healthy Choice Microwave Popcorn(ConAgra)

Organic Corn(soy/canola oils)

Mothers Corn Cakes(Quaker) butter pop

Orville Redenbacher Microwave Popcorn(ConAgra) Original Homestyle Butter Smart Pop and Pour Over

Orville Redenbacher Popcorn Cakes Chocolate Caramel

Orville Redenbacher Mini Popcorn Cakes Butter Peanut Caramel Chocolate Peanut

Pop Secret Microwave Popcorn(Betty Crocker/General Mills) Natural Homestyle Jumbo Pop Extra Butter Light 94% Fat Free Butter

Pringles(Procter & Gamble) Original Low Fat Pizza-licious Sour Cream & Onion Salt & Vinegar Cheezeums

Quaker Rice Cakes Peanut Butter Chocolate Crunch Cinnamon Streusel Mini Chocolate Ranch Sour Cream & Onion Apple Cinnamon Caramel Corn
Quaker Corn Cakes White Cheddar, Caramel Corn,Strawberry Crunch and Caramel Chocolate Chip

*Frito has informed its corn and potato suppliers that the company wishes to avoid GE crops, but acknowledges that canola or other oils and ingredients in its products may be from GE sources.

CHECK OUT WHAT'S COMING DOWN THE PIPE!

GE Sugar? Not So Sweet---- BIOTECH TAKES AIM AT OUR SUGAR!!!

Sadly, biotech companies want to take the sweets we know and love away from us.
Sugar in our Valentine’s candy (and our cereal, granola bars, crackers, bread – anything that contains sugar) comes from several sources, including sugar beets. In fact, about half of the sugar used in the U.S. is beet sugar (the other half is cane sugar). In the next few weeks, sugar beet seed farmers throughout the U.S. will be considering what type of sugar beets to plant, and food companies will have to decide what types of sugar they will accept.

A new option available this year is Monsanto’s Roundup Ready sugar beet, genetically engineered to survive direct application of the weed killer, Roundup. At the request of Monsanto, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency increased the allowable amount of glyphosate residues on sugar beetroots by a whopping 5000%. Glyphosate is the active ingredient in Roundup, sugar is extracted from the beet’s root. The inevitable result is more glyphosate pesticide in our sugar. This is not good news for those who want to enjoy their sweet treats without the threat of ingesting toxic weed killer.

In 2001, Hershey’s, M&M Mars, and American Crystal Sugar told consumers they would not use genetically engineered sugar. But now that sugar beets are close to being planted commercially, they have made no such assurances.
Tell Hershey’s, Mars, and American Crystal to show us the love, and keep our sweets GE-Free!

...aaaand

The foods listed below are currently being tested by the biotech industry in field trials:

apples cherries cranberries grapefruit kiwi melons papaya pears persimmons pineapple plum strawberries

Mini Project #3

ENDANGERED SPECIES

In this assignment I will be identifying endangered animals, specifically those within 100 miles of where I live which is Broward County Florida. To be endangered means that the animal is in danger of extinction throughout all or a significant portion of its range. I wasn't sure that I would find many in such a small geographical area (compared to those animals scattered all throughout the globe). However, to my surprise there are quite a few. As a matter of fact, many animals that call the Florida Everglades home are on the US Fish and Wildlife Service's endangered Species List.

THE AMERICAN CROCODILE
(Crocodylus acutus)

This relative of the alligator has lost most of its natural habitat due to extensive development along coastal areas and the Keys. Traditionally, the crocodile has inhabited a range extending from Biscayne Bay northward.

TURTLES

• Green turtle (Chelonia midas)
• Atlantic Ridley turtle (Lepidochelys kempi)
• Atlantic Hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata)
• Atlantic Leatherback turtle (Dermochelys coriacea)

BIRDS

Wood Stork
(Mycteria americana)

Its population along with other similar species has declined by at least 90% since the 1930's!

Current contributing factors:

• its unique feeding habits
• specific environmental requirements

VS.

• modern water control programs
• excessive dry spells

other endangered birds:

Cape Sable seaside sparrow (Ammodramus maritima mirabilis)
Everglades snail kite (Rostrhamus sociabilis plumbeus)
Red-cockaded woodpecker (Picoides borealis)

Manatee
(Trichechus manatus)

Major threats:

• boat propellers
• habitat destruction
• poaching
• vandal attacks

FLORIDA PANTHER
(Felis concolor coryi)

The once sprawling panther population has dwindled down to a meager 50 in 1990, nearly eliminated.

Causes:

• rapid urban development
• genetic inbreeding
• mercury poisoning
• shootings
• collisions (with fast moving vehicles)

OTHER ENDANGERED MAMMALS

• Key Largo wood rat (Neotoma floridana smalli)
• Key Largo cotton mouse (Peromyscus gossypinus allapaticola)

Garbers spurge (Chamaesyce garberi)

• drastically affected by human developmentof their natural habitats
• uprooted from 8 Florida Keys
• has not been located in Miami area since 1949

**The remaining habitats that foster Garbers spurge are in danger of destruction from hurricanes, storms, fire and other plants.

information courtesy of news sun-sentinel
April 2, 2008

Environmental Organizations Mini Project #1

I recently conducted an internet search of 3 environmental organizations: Greenpeace, National resource Defense Council (NRDC), and Wild Spots Foundation. The purpose of all of them is to change our world in some way. I was very intrigued by the message of all three. Greenpeace and National Resource Defense Council crusade for many of the same causes such as: global warming, saving our oceans, preserving wildlife and forests and attacking issues about toxins. However they do differ a bit in that Greenpeace also addresses the issue of genetic engineering and the NRDC addresses oil and America and the need to accelerate greening in China. As you may have noticed I have yet to discuss the issues addressed by Wildspots. This is in no way to belittle the organizations efforts in their crusade to save different species of animals. It just happens to be that the other issues caught more of my personal attention.



In my research of these 3 environmental organizations I am to make a choice of which I would wish to join. After reading the mission of all three, I immediately narrowed it down to either Greenpeace or the NRDC. After researching and setting aside their like causes, I had to decide on the other areas in which the two organizations differed: genetic engineering (Greenpeace) and America beyond Oil and the Accelaration of China to go green (NRDC). In addition, I am attracted to the fact that (according to their website) Greenpeace does not solicit contributions from government or corporations. Neither will they endorse any political party. Their contributions are from 2.5 million members worlwide (250,000 in the US).



Let's take a look at the areas where the two differ completely:

GREENPEACE

Genetic Engineering

An issue where the government has allowed genetically modified organisms to be released into our food without adequate labeling (according to the Greenpeace website). This process has been a part of many food products such as bread, crackers, cereal, canned soups and frozen dinners.

NRDC

Move America Beyond Oil

Our gasoline habit is a major environmental liability, and is fast becoming an economic and national security risk as well. Burning oil in our cars and trucks releases global warming pollution, toxic air pollutants and makes us dangerously dependent on some of the world's most oppressive regimes. NRDC is pushing for federal legislation to cut oil use, expand the market for fuel-efficient vehicles and to ramp up production of sustainably grown biofuels as an alternative to oil.

Accelerate the Greening of China


China is about to overtake the United States as the world's largest global warming polluter. Its thirst for oil will double by 2010, requiring another Saudi Arabia to meet its needs. Its air pollution is poised to quadruple in 15 years. Up to 40 percent of the toxic mercury in U.S. soil comes from China. And China's soaring demand for timber makes it the world's biggest driver of rainforest destruction. Fortunately, China's leaders recognize this emerging ecological disaster and are inviting outside help to avert it. NRDC is helping China's leadership shift toward sustainable policies that will balance economic and environmental progress.





Both Organizations present very important issues that affect us all and the decision was still a hard one to make for me. So I had to go beyond the issues that they both address and look for other factors that will set one apart from the other. The strawbreaker was the company's website. While the NRDC offers a monthly newsletter, issue highlights and various environmental articles, the Greenpeace site has documentation of actual firsthand victories accomplished by their organization with pictures and videos. This documentation shows the Greenpeace team at work, in action! In addition, Greenpeace has what's called a RSS feed that keeps members informed with updated content constantly. The site also posts annual reports and governance.



Well can you guess? My choice is...........GREENPEACE!!!!!



I AM STILL INTRIGUED BY THE NRDC'S "CHINA GREEN AND AMERICA BEYOND OIL" (ESPECIALLY). HOPEFULLY THESE TWO ISSUES WILL MAKE IT ON THE GREENPEACE LIST IN THE NEAR FUTURE.