"Natural" Pollutants

Nature Mimics Industry by Jack W. Dini

Who's to blame for carbon dioxide emissions to the atmosphere, persistent dioxins, PCBs, vinyl chloride, perchlorates, elevated concentrations of nitrates in stream water throughout the world, and unusual fish kills? The initial knee-jerk reaction is to lay the blame on present-day humans (read: ourselves), endlessly accused of fouling our own nest, and there's some truth to this. No doubt we humans are responsible for many egregious environmental actions, but here's something new. Recent research has shown that some of the pollutants heretofore blamed on industrial activities can now also be laid at the doorstep of Mother Nature.

For example

• Dioxins from Burning Wood and Biomass

• Ozone from Boreal Coniferous Forests

• Vinyl Chloride from the Earth, Nitrates from the Sea

• Perchlorate from "Natural" Processes

• Flame-retardants from "Natural" Sources