The Civil War’s Environmental Impact

[RJNorton]

Thank you to Laurie for sending this link:

http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/201...pact/?_r=0

[Anita]

One environmental impact not mentioned in the article was the practice of embalming Civil War dead. Dr. Holmes, father of modern-day embalming "developed a supposed nontoxic embalming solution which was, indeed, toxic and to this day continues to contaminate the soil in older cemeteries. Those who practiced embalming during the war returned to their hometowns and continued to perform the service in lieu of returning to their former trades. As for Holmes, he requested before his death in 1900 that he not be embalmed."
Read more: http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2009...z3JjpJyur1


IMO as long as there is war the environment will be considered collateral damage. I don't see an end to wars any time soon.
"Unintentional or incidental injury or damage to persons or objects that would not be lawful military targets in the circumstances ruling at the time. Such damage is not unlawful so long as it is not excessive in light of the overall military advantage anticipated from the attack." Dictionary of Military and Associated Terms. US Department of Defense 2005.

[L Verge]

The embalming practice was one of the factors that influenced the Victorian movement of rural cemeteries - the peaceful, beautifully landscaped "gardens" that so many of us still appreciate. Decaying bodies and chemically treated ones were thought to be spoiling the waters and soil in the churchyard cemeteries, many of which sat right in the middle of villages and towns.