Ajaxx’s Recent Comments

• Click here to view comment in original post

  The problem caused by broad spectrum insecticides

  The special problem caused by broad spectrum insecticides (DDT is a prime example) is that they are usually much more effective on the predators of targeted pests than they are on the pests. The reason is simple and inevitable. The predator eats the pests. If the pest has been poisoned the predator eats the poison! If the poison is a long lasting substance like DDT the predator will accumulate enough to kill it. This sets up a situation where the pest population can resurge unchecked by its former predators. The resurgence may be exacerbated if, as is likely, the pest acquires some degree of immunity to the poison. The result is that ever greater quantities of the poison and concomitant environmental contamination are required to keep the pest controlled.

  A second problem is the food chain multiplication factor. Many persistent poisons, DDT, most chlorinated hydrocarbons, etc., are transferred to the top of the food chain with amazing efficiency. A significant portion of all the persistent poisons that have entered the environment is still in the fatty tissues of the top predators (including us!).

  Malaria is certainly a huge problem. DDT is a dangerous solution. It should only be used with the greatest of care.

  Sincerely
                     Albert J. Hoch Jr.On The North knows best? posted 4 years, 8 months ago 19 Responses

• Click here to view comment in original post

  Boost for the hockey stick

  The latest "Scientific American"  magazine has an article citing evidence that early men started changing the climate with agriculture. According to "Did Humans Stop an Ice Age" mankind started global warming eight thousand years ago. If the new theory holds up it cuts the ground from under nay sayers of global warming.     :-o

  Sincerely
                     Albert J. Hoch Jr.    :-)On The hockey stick posted 4 years, 8 months ago 2 Responses