COMMUNITY COMMENTARY -- DIANE LENNING

I have read the numerous recent articles about the AES plant

controversy, hoping to read a coherent, intelligent explanation of the

situation. I’m still waiting. Guess I’ll have a try at it.

Something no one has mentioned in the press yet is the inherent life

danger caused by emissions from the stacks. Among the many emissions are

nitrous oxide, acetone and formaldehyde. It is a scientific fact that

nitrous oxide and acetone, for example, are dangerous to the health of

people. They are classified as inhalants.

When vapors are inhaled, they are absorbed through the lungs into the

bloodstream, traveling to the brain and other tissues throughout the

body. Most depress the functioning of the nervous system. However, the

effects of each inhalant are difficult to determine due to the chemical

compositions and the amount each individual may breathe in. Nevertheless,

these chemicals do have significant effects on the nervous system.

Inhalants can cause any number, degree and/or combination of symptoms

in individuals who breathe them. Some of the effects of inhalants are

similar to those of alcohol, including relaxation, slurred speech,

euphoria, hallucinations, drowsiness, dizziness, nausea, vomiting and

death. Long-term use of inhalants can cause memory loss, concentration

problems, visual disturbances, blindness, motor problems and peripheral

nerve damage.

Specific areas of the brain are targeted by inhalants, including the

cerebral cortex, causing changes in personality, memory loss,

hallucinations and learning problems. Damage to the cerebellum can cause

problems in balance and movement. Damage to the hippocampus may cause

memory problems. The visual system can be damaged in the peripheral

nerves causing visual disturbances.

These reasons alone, not even considering the ocean pollution, are so

significant to our quality of life that it’s appalling to me that this

was not taken care of in 1970 or so. The technology and scientific facts

to solve this problem have been around for years.

The issue of ocean pollution is significant to our quality of life,

and it obviously is significant to the livelihood of Huntington Beach.

Of all things, the toxic inhalant nitrous oxide is a main culprit in

this scenario. The scientific process that bedevils us is called nitrous

fixation. This chemical reaction is extremely “codependent” upon bacteria

for the process to occur. The nitrogen and nitrous oxide is broken down

by bacteria to form ammonia. The end result of ammonia pollutes our ocean

waters.

Does the sewage contribute to pollution drawn to the shores by warm

waters? It seems a bit of a reach since recent reports state the sewage

has been sighted about a mile or so off the shore. Even a mile away,

however, is closer than I want sewage when I’m in the ocean.

The most important action to take now is to install bio-filters. The

reduction of toxic emissions can be confirmed by water testing after the

bio-filters are installed. Also, we need to know if the scrubbers are

sufficient to reduce toxic levels, or if bio-filters will be more

proficient. Some say scrubbers only reduce odors.

Why not go first with what we know to be scientific fact? The emitted

toxins need to be greatly reduced, regardless. Let’s do that now, for our

life, breath and quality of life. It is highly predictable that it will

also reduce the ocean pollution at the same time.

* DIANE LENNING is a resident of Huntington Beach, a high school

science teacher and former City Council candidate.