Toxic incinerator emissions, like dioxin, accumulate in humans through the food chain.

Because dioxin-contaminated beef, milk, fish and vegetables are shipped all over the country, incineration is everyone's problem -- no matter where you live. Dioxin-laden chicken processed in Belgium or Baltinglass, potatoes from Lyon or Louth, beef from Meath, or fish from the Irish Sea could end up on your dinner plate at a restaurant or at home.

Break the link in the toxic food chain: Support safer alternatives!

There is only one way to break the link in this toxic food chain: stop dioxin exposure at the source. Fortunately, safer, non-dioxin producing technologies exist for waste disposal. Possible alternative disposal methods include:

• Composting,
• Anaerobic digestion
• neutralization,
• biodegradation,
• gas phase hydrogenation,
• electro chemical oxidation.

None of these technologies release dioxin like incineration does.

The US Army has already agreed to test alternative technologies for disposal of chemical agent in Maryland and Indiana. Another program is investigating alternatives for assembled chemical weapons at other stockpile sites. But in order for these and other technologies to be implemented, they need support from local residents and decision-makers.

Several food producers across the USA , including Keebler, Sara Lee, Perdue and GoldKist have already taken a stand against the siting of incinerators near their processing plants. They realize that dioxin- producing incinerators can take a toll on their company's reputation and profits. Food producers near Incinerator sites or proposed sites could do the same, working together with concerned citizens to ensure that safe alternatives to incineration are used.

What you can do:

Write a letter to the food producers in your region. Explain your concerns about dioxin and its effect on the health of humans and the environment -- and the company's reputation. What chicken producer would want their sales to drop because of their close proximity to an incinerator? Encourage all local food producers, including small farmers, to publicly support implementation of safer alternatives.

Find out where the fresh food sold in your local grocery store comes from. Tell grocery store owners about your concerns. Get in touch with local, scounty and regional organizations working on consumer rights, farm organizations, La Leche Leagues, etc. and share the information. Tell your friends of your concern.

Write a letter to your national legislators. They need to hear about the dangers of dioxin in the food chain, and the effect incineration would have on the local and state agricultural economy.

Hook up with local grassroots organizations in your area that are working for safe alternatives to Incineration. These groups can provide you with names and addresses of local food producers, legislators, and other decision-makers. They can also use your help in spreading the news about safe alternatives.

Get active now or your dinner menu may become very restrictive in the future. !