{"id":2832,"date":"2017-06-18T15:43:37","date_gmt":"2017-06-18T23:43:37","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/pawsacrossthenation.org\/pawsTalk\/?page_id=2832"},"modified":"2017-06-18T15:58:46","modified_gmt":"2017-06-18T23:58:46","slug":"poisons","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/pawsacrossthenation.org\/pawsTalk\/learn-more\/poisons\/","title":{"rendered":"Poisons"},"content":{"rendered":"

Poisons<\/h1>\n

How do we view poison? \u00a0Our first reaction is understandably negative, but it is important to recognize that all poisons are not the same. According to dictionaries, poison is\u00a0a substance that is capable of causing the illness or death of a living organism when introduced or absorbed. \u00a0Salt is poison to slugs, yet its mindful<\/em> use can enable\u00a0protecting a strawberry patch from ruin without causing harm to the environment or to threatened species.<\/p>\n

The world has gone mad for poisons<\/h1>\n

As with most issues, lack of environmental impact research and comprehensive planning has resulted in the use of poisons that were later proven to be extremely detrimental to humans, directly and indirectly though damage to natural resources. \u00a0A prime example is the use of DDT as a pesticide until banned in 1972 by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). \u00a0DDT was found to be highly toxic to aquatic species. \u00a0DDT is probably best known for the damage caused by one of its break down products (DDE3<\/sup>) to multiple species of birds due to causing the shells of their eggs to become too thin to protect the delicate contents inside. \u00a0Learn more about DDT…<\/a><\/p>\n

DDT “persists in the environment, accumulates in fatty tissues, and can cause adverse health
\neffects on wildlife.” \u00a0Studies continue to test the levels of DDT found in human mothers’ milk, for example. \u00a0Learn more from NCBI (National Center for Biotechnology Information)<\/a><\/p>\n

Facts vs. ‘Alt-Facts’<\/h1>\n

As with all research, we must search for established facts and then use those facts within the reasonable confines of their relevance. Simply put, ‘alt-facts’ are lies<\/em>. Putting a ‘spin’<\/em> on facts to make them appear more sensational or frightening than they are is propaganda. There is quite enough current activity on our planet worthy of our concern without creating illusions of monsters hiding under the bed!<\/p>\n

On that note, as food for thought, what do you think about this 1979 Monsanto advertisement found in National Geographic? \u00a0Are facts used? Is spin involved? Is there any feeling (positive or negative) that this ad generates for you? \u00a0Paws would love to know what you think – Contact Paws<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"1979

1979 Monsanto Ad in National Geographic, published with permission from Rising Storm<\/a><\/p><\/div>\n

\"Share<\/a>