(40th in a series on Martin Tower)
Martin Tower demolition May 19
www.martintowerbethlehem.com
Informational meeting
Thursday, May 9, 6PM
Nitschmann Middle School
“It is amazing to me that so many people are reacting to this implosion
as entertainment or spectacle rather than a health risk.”
Barbara Diamond
Peter Crownfield is officially retired but spends most of his time working with students in his role as internship coordinator for the Alliance for Sustainable Communities–Lehigh Valley
Gadfly:
‘… Is it only dangerous when it is in the air? There is no danger when it is on the ground? Does it eventually just go away, just disappear? Poof. And is it a good thing — in the big picture, I mean — if it blows away from “us” only to fall on someone else somewhere else? And is it ok if it falls on water instead of us? I just don’t know.’ [From Gadfly’s previous post]
I’m no expert on this, but from what I’ve read there are two hazards:
The silica & any asbestos & miscellaneous fine particles are mainly hazardous if you breathe them in, but any dust that falls on the ground can be stirred up by wind or vehicles or physical activity. (Would you want to run or bike or take young children anywhere in the fallout zone?)
Any lead, mold spores, and possible other toxins in the concrete and other building materials are just as hazardous on the ground, even after it rains. (How about your vegetable garden? …the lawn where children & grandchildren play?)
I have to say that the city gives every indication of just ignoring these concerns and not really considering health issues at all, or at least not once the implosion event is done.
Has the city notified people in the entire likely fallout areas or only those who are able to attend this public meeting? (Depending on wind speed & direction this could extend as far as Easton & Pburg to the east.)
Peter
Remember, people who attend the meeting tonight will receive a packet of information.
And at Council the City EMS said they were in process of meeting with people in the “exclusion” area and that a special meeting for them is being held today also.