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<br /> FROM POWEPHOUSE PHONE N0. : 8088845190 Jun. 15 1997 10:19PM P3 <br /> or Rnund-Up'~ have adverse effects on the central and peripheral nervous <br /> systems, leading to a variety of behavioral and mood disorders. especially in <br /> those who are more sensitive to xenobiotics due to relatively ineffective detox <br /> mechanisms. <br /> Second, in addition to this variable sensitivity to environmental toxins in <br /> the general population, there are specific population subgroups that are <br /> inherently more vulnerable to low le~-el toxic exposures. These groups include <br /> pregnant women, children, the elderly and people with compromised immune <br /> systems. These subgroups are at increased risk of developing 'liver disorders of <br /> unknown origin', including hepatic cancer with continued low level exposure. <br /> Third, the issue of synergistic and multiplicative toxicities of combined <br /> xenobiotics needs to be considered. Recent studies have demonstrated, in some <br /> cases, a hundred-fold increase in toxicity with exposure to a particular <br /> combination of chemicals, as opposed to exposure to these chemicals <br /> independent)}-. This is usually the case with pesticide or herbicide use since <br /> most .tre mixtures. In some cases, the so-called `inert ingredients' are highly <br /> toxic when exposure occurs in combination with certain other chemicals. Bear <br /> in mind that DEA has used many different toxic agents in its program and has <br /> expressed interest in using other xenobiotic agents. <br /> And lastly, the cumulative burden of toxic load on the environment <br /> needs to be taken into account. As we continue to poison our island <br /> environment with broadcast and spot spraying of this `xenobiotic soup', we are <br /> crcat;ng a literal time bomb as regards public health. Little by little we add to <br /> what will someday become an unlivahle environment. Some `canaries in the <br /> coal mine.' are already suffering the ill effects of this cumulative hurden. Others <br /> of us will not be far behind. We must find more sustainable vca}'s of addressing <br /> our public policy issues. <br /> I urge }-our rejection of the continuation of the DEA's marijuana <br /> eradication program on public health grounds. There is simply too much at <br /> stake to continue on this perilous path. <br /> Itespec•, <br /> ~~/mJ ~---1~ <br /> JT P wet, b'1D <br /> <br />