The growing problem of toxic chemicals

Re “Hot on Parkinson’s Trail,” Nov. 27

The Parkinson’s disease-afflicted farmer had “long suspected that [weedkillers and other toxic compounds] were somehow responsible for his disease” because he is endowed, like all of us, with sufficient common sense to know that exposure to toxic chemicals will sooner or later have detrimental health effects.

The popularity of the more expensive organic produce further attests to the tacit assumption among the public that there are significant health risks associated with conventional chemical-laced produce.

Perhaps, one day, the common sense on this subject will extend to our elected representatives and the chemical industry -- the people who demand such high levels of caution when interpreting studies implicating their poisons, yet conversely expect us to throw caution to the wind and purchase their tainted food.

ED WATTERS

Woodland Hills