In
2014 the New York Times reported that monkeys had been detained for
four hours in rooms with exhaust gases from a VW Beetle equipped with
manipulated exhaust technology.
We now learn that VW conducted tests on humans as well.
Inexcusable Tests
Der Spiegel comments on "Absurd and Inexcusable" Exhaust Gas Tests on Humans and Monkeys.
Not only monkeys, but also people were also exposed to the irritant gas nitrogen dioxide (NO2) in exhaust tests by the "European Research Association for Environment and Health in the Transport Sector" (EUGT). It was founded in 2007 by the concerns Daimler, VW, BMW and the automotive supplier Bosch.
According to reports of the "Stuttgarter Zeitung" and the "Süddeutsche Zeitung", the EUGT also promoted an experiment in which human subjects exposed themselves to the irritant gas nitrogen dioxide. According to the Federal Environment Agency, it damages the mucosal tissue in the entire respiratory tract and irritates the eyes. Car exhaust fumes are considered the main source of irritant gas.
"Ten monkeys for hours wantonly inhale car exhaust to prove that the pollution allegedly decreased, is disgusting and absurd," said Lower Saxony's Prime Minister and VW Supervisory Board member Stephan Weil (SPD).
Eurointelligence Comments
I picked up this story from Eurointelligence which had these comments:
The German car industry understood some time ago that the only way for diesel technology to survive in this day and age was through criminal activity. The reports about cheating on emissions test were only the tip of the iceberg. Then became the revelation that the industry operated illegal cartels, and now it is becoming known that it has conducted illegal experiments on humans and animals.
Spiegel Online has the latest update on the experiments with monkeys in the US, and with humans in Europe. Daimler, VW, BMW, and Bosch, have created what they called a research institute for the promotion of health in the transportation sector - known by its German initials EUGT.
The institute carried out an experiment with 25 people who were exposed to nitrogen dioxide in different concentrations.
The car companies were yesterday trying to distance themselves from those activities, which they funded. Even in Germany, where politicians tend to prioritize the health of the car industry over everything else, this is now going too far. The prime minister of Lower Saxony, Stefan Weil, who is also a member of the supervisory board of VW, said it was absurd to expose people and animals to toxins with the explicit goal to demonstrate that these are harmless.
No Excuse
There is no excuse for this and no apology can be accepted. The rot starts at the top and people should be in prison starting at the top.
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2 comments:
It appears that the Wisconsin DNR is going to look the other way and allow Foxconn to spew illegal amounts of toxic pollutants into the air of SE Wisconsin.
Foxconn is building a $10 billion manufacturing center that could employ up 13,000 workers. The company chose Wisconsin after getting a $3 billion state incentive package.
State legislation that provided the incentives also exempted the company from a variety of environmental requirements, such as disturbing wetlands and building in stream beds, that other companies have to follow.
But the company must get approval for air, wastewater and storm water permits — and approval to tap water from Lake Michigan.
The first, 128-page application from an affiliate, AFE Inc., for an air permit indicates Foxconn will start with the construction and assembly of flat-panel displays, including televisions. Later, it will proceed with a fabrication plant and a glass manufacturing plant.
Company officials have said it plans to have the flat-panel plant up and operating by January 2019.
DNR spokesman Jim Dick said the agency hopes to complete work on the first air permit in April. Before then, citizens can file comments and ask for a public hearing.
Together, the three plants will produce enough air pollution to qualify Foxconn, in regulatory parlance, as a major source emitter. As a major source, the company must install air pollution control equipment that costs more and removes more air pollutants than other control equipment on the market.
Foxconn says it will produce gases such as nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds, which are sources of ozone pollution. Ozone is primarily a summer problem.
Ozone exposure can lead to reduced lung function and aggravate asthma and other lung diseases. High temperatures magnify ozone problems.
Racine County and southeastern Wisconsin are currently in compliance with federal ozone standards, but new stricter standards are expected to soon take effect. EPA officials in December said they plan to designate the region as not meeting the tougher standard, which could mean more restrictions on businesses. A final decision by the EPA has not been made.
The plant will also produce particulate pollution — tiny particles that are smaller than a human hair that can cause respiratory problems.
Foxconn will also produce carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas, and must limit emissions of CO2, according to the DNR.
The company has faced criticism for its environmental record, especially in China.
https://www.jsonline.com/story/news/local/wisconsin/2018/01/29/foxconn-provides-details-first-environmental-permit-request-submitted-wisconsin-officials/1070747001/
Hey Racine - You've just been GASSED!
Of course, according to the Scott Walker Gang, until they import smart and industrious Illinois workers to Wisconsin - only Monkeys occupy the territory of SE WI. Maybe the Foxconn emissions will drive the Monkeys away!
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