http://toxicstorm.wordpress.com Just another WordPress.com weblog Sat, 28 Mar 2009 05:39:47 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.com/ http://s2.wp.com/i/buttonw-com.png http://toxicstorm.wordpress.com http://toxicstorm.wordpress.com/2009/03/28/poison-in-prospect/ http://toxicstorm.wordpress.com/2009/03/28/poison-in-prospect/#comments Sat, 28 Mar 2009 05:39:47 +0000 toxicstorm http://toxicstorm.wordpress.com/?p=3 ]]> So the reason why I started this blog was to alert frequenters of Prospect Park to a notable and dangerous realization I’ve had about the area in the south/southwest district of the park is heavily contaminated by one of the most potent poisons ever to be released. The name of the poison: ergot; the fears: countless. This is a realistic cause for worry for everyone who jogs, walks, bikes, hikes around Prospect Park and has major implications for residents in the Windsor Terrace/Prospect Park South area as well. How do I know? Well, I’ve seen the actual proof in the flora and fauna located in the Southern region of the park. I’ve heard people complaining about itching and breathing problems. And I’ve experienced it myself…I only itch when running around the south side of the park…but I itch badly. If minor to moderate skin irritation can hit an idle runner while he’s trotting to the tune of a 8:30 mile than it can hit anyone. The problem is, and many, kids play in the park. Skin irritation could cause so many issues to a child. The fauna, including the ducks, the fish, the shellfish (if any), and in the pond could be, and are adversely affected by the ergot. The flora, including the grass, the flowers, shrubs, and underbrush are all affected by it too. Take a look yourself at what it does – the next time you’re in the park, stop on the south side of the park and take a look at a leaf. Chances are, in the south side of the park, the leaf is spotted and torn through. It’s not the same in the north of the park. So what am I getting at? We need to act in order to keep this park safe, specifically to unite to let local officials know that ergot poisoning is a serious concern and we won’t allow it in our park.
Of course, there are greater implications as well. Of course, there is no ergot fear on the Park Slope side of the park, the high ground. The ergot is all concentrated in the south and southwest for it. Am I claiming racism is in play here? Not specifically, but when is it not. I would be more inclined to claim classism; there is a wealth and class structure issue that makes the south side of the park a dumping ground…you think about it – it’s not that complicated.
We’ll be back next time with where and why the ergot is being dumped here and what we can do about it. Also we’ll look at the specific toxic effects of ergot and why it matters so much.

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