Subject: Fw: Chlorine, carcinogens and dead fish
From: "Bill Robinson" <roseguy@flash.net>
Organization: Michigan State University
Date: Thu, 8 Jan 1998 08:05:41 -0800
Message-ID: <MOD$980108.18363@rec.gardens.ecosystems>
>Hiller SB wrote in message ...
>I picked up a bottle of fish emulsion the other day and found the
>following:
>Nitrogen 5 percent
>Phosphorus 1 percent
>Potash 1 percent
>Chlorine 4 percent
Chlorine is well known to convert organic material into carcinogens.
Chlorine is one of the essential plant nutrients. It is required in
photosynthesis. "The Western Fertilizer Handbook" of the California
Fertilizer Association says, " Until the mid-1980's deficiencies of
chlorine in the field were believed to be rare. However, chloride
containing fertilizers are now specifically being used to increase disease
resistance of many crops. Some nutritional benefits have also been
reported. Wheat, barley, corn, and potatoes have benefited from chloride
applications in numerous states in the west and High Plains."
Symptoms of chlorine deficiency in plants include: 1.) Wilting, followed
by chlorosis; 2.) Excessive branching of lateral roots; 3.) Bronzing of
leaves; 4.) Chlorosis and necrosis in tomatoes and barley; and 5.) Leaf
spot (lesions) in wheat".
It is a natural thing for chlorine to be present in fish. It is a material
that is involved in the fish's natural system and metabolism. Chloride is
present in almost all natural waters. The 4% chlorine statement on the
label is most likely just their analysis of their commercial natural
product.
Once the label has been approved by the governmental "powers that be",
manufacturers then have to keep their products up to that claim. I would
doubt if any chloride would be added except to keep things up to standard .
I wouldn't be alarmed by the statement that the fish emulsion products
contains chlorine.
Bill