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Toxics
Perhaps the most serious threat to the Bay ecosystem is the presence of
numerous contaminated industrial facilities and properties. For several
decades timber companies used the fungicide pentachlorophenol ("penta")
to preserve lumber at their mills. Penta is itself a potent carcinogen,
but, more importantly, commercial-grade penta contains dioxin. As it is
one of the most sinister reproductive and developmental toxins on the
planet, there is no safe level of exposure to dioxin. In addition, the
chemicals were often applied sloppily, using massive dip tanks and
spray operations, and nearly all mills that treated wood are now
contaminated with dioxin. Because it is so persistent in the
environment, dioxin continues to be discharged from these mills into
local streams, rivers, and into Humboldt Bay.
Other sources of dioxin contamination also exist, including Humboldt
Bayâs two pulp mills. Though one has been deactivated, it continues to
be a potential source of contamination.
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