Life on Florida’s West Coast

Harlem’s Biohazard Lab?

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I am fully behind the scientific process. I think things need to be tested and retested in order to make sure we are on the best track and heading toward innovations that better the human condition, I understand that in the United States, the university system tends to be one of the largest collective entities for scientific study. I get that.

I am also into making sound environmental decision, for the greater good.

What we, as regular American citizens, trust in is that those conducting scientific studies will have the best interest of, …well everyone in mind when they plan and implement situations that entail hazardous waste, dangerous chemicals, or potentially unstable lab environments. Do the universities have a solid disaster plan in place? Are the backups, cross checks, and systems of accountability? Is the disclosure they offer the public transparent?

All we can do, sometimes, is just trust. OK, that’s not true. We can question.

Currently, there is a movement in New York called the Stop Columbia’s Expansion Project. The movement was born out of concern surrounding Columbia University’s proposed campus extension in West Harlem, which would include a subterranean portion for biohazard chemical laboratories.

I’m certainly only a layman, but it seems to be that the employment of basic logic would say that this area is in a designated flood zone that also happens to be situated on a fault line may in fact not be the wisest place to work with or store biohazardous chemicals.

There is a large contingent that feels this project places the people of Harlem (and surrounding) in potential danger. If nothing else, the information surrounding this controversy is an interesting read. It also gives you the opportunity to read about the little-heard voice of the people, free from big PR agencies or slick spin.

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3 Comments »

Comment by Jenny Subscribed to comments via email
2008-04-15 08:51:51

I’m also behind science but lately after watching stuff on the discovery channel it makes me wonder if we’re doing the right thing. Like the fact that scientists want to someday make a REAL jurassic park. HELLO!!!! Did they learn nothing from the movie?

Comment by Angie
2008-04-15 09:16:08

It makes me think of being in journalism and how fierce the competition is to get “the scoop”. I think there are scientists who labor out of true interest and a longing to adcance our world for the best. Then, I think there are those who are simply driven to publish and gain notariety. Those poeple push the lines of wisdom.

 
 
Comment by Pfunk
2008-04-17 22:28:37

I live in Harlem very near where they propose to do this crap and I am livid.
I’m also livid that they’re buying up all of the property, but that’s another story.

Ech. That’s all I can say.

Yikes, is an additional comment.

 
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