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Toms River: A Story of Science and Salvation

Herbert Cox

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The story of Toms River, New Jersey, is a story of science and salvation. In the early 1900s, the town was a thriving industrial center, home to chemical plants and other factories. But in the 1970s, it was discovered that the town's water supply was contaminated with a toxic chemical called dioxin.

Toms River: A Story of Science and Salvation

by Dan Fagin

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This discovery led to a long and difficult battle for the people of Toms River to get their water cleaned up and their health protected. The story of Toms River is a reminder of the importance of both science and public health, and it is a testament to the power of ordinary people to make a difference.

The Science of Dioxin

Dioxin is a highly toxic chemical that was first discovered in the 1950s. It is a byproduct of the manufacture of certain chemicals, including pesticides, herbicides, and plastics. Dioxin is a persistent organic pollutant, meaning that it does not break down easily in the environment. It can accumulate in the food chain, and it can cause a variety of health problems, including cancer, reproductive problems, and developmental disorders.

In the case of Toms River, the dioxin contamination was caused by a chemical plant that was located in the town. The plant discharged dioxin into the air and water, and the chemicals eventually made their way into the town's water supply.

The Health Effects of Dioxin

The health effects of dioxin can vary depending on the level of exposure. Short-term exposure to high levels of dioxin can cause acute health problems, such as skin rashes, eye irritation, and respiratory problems. Long-term exposure to low levels of dioxin can increase the risk of cancer, reproductive problems, and developmental disorders.

The people of Toms River were exposed to dioxin for many years, and they have suffered a variety of health problems as a result. These problems include:

Cancer: The people of Toms River have a higher risk of developing cancer, including leukemia, lymphoma, and breast cancer.
Reproductive problems: The people of Toms River have a higher risk of reproductive problems, including infertility, miscarriage, and birth defects.
Developmental disorders: The people of Toms River have a higher risk of developmental disorders, including learning disabilities and behavioral problems.

The Battle for Clean Water

After the discovery of dioxin contamination in Toms River, the people of the town began a long and difficult battle to get their water cleaned up and their health protected. They faced opposition from the chemical companies that had caused the contamination, and they had to overcome a lack of government support.

In 1983, the people of Toms River filed a class-action lawsuit against the chemical companies. The lawsuit alleged that the companies had negligently discharged dioxin into the environment, and that they were responsible for the health problems that the people of Toms River had suffered.

The lawsuit was eventually settled, and the chemical companies agreed to pay millions of dollars to the people of Toms River. The settlement also included provisions for the cleanup of the town's water supply.

The Legacy of Toms River

The story of Toms River is a reminder of the importance of both science and public health. The science of dioxin helped to identify the cause of the town's health problems, and the public health efforts of the people of Toms River helped to get their water cleaned up and their health protected.

The story of Toms River is also a testament to the power of ordinary people to make a difference. The people of Toms River faced powerful opposition, but they never gave up fighting for their health and their community.

The legacy of Toms River is a story of science, salvation, and hope.