[Dioxin-l] Open List?

[Evertcc@aol.com]

Michael, 

I'm all for an open list and discussion, but it is becoming difficult with 
people who refute almost everything they read on the list. My statement about 
how "widespread" organo-halogens are found naturally occuring is a relative 
one which can't be simply batted away with some obscure reference. I have 
conceeded that organo-halogens can be found in nature, but the hitch is to 
what degree of presence compared to the plethora of anthropogenic 
organo-halogens (both quantity and variety) now found in nature that were not 
there one hundred years ago.

The hepta-chlor that tainted my wife's breast milk was not a product of 
nature. It was from pesticide tainted grain fed to dairy cows. The 
pentachlorophenol I was exposed to was not a product of nature. It was the 
product of an industry fighting a battle for public acceptance. The PCBs now 
ubiquitous in the fat of marine mammals did not derive from natural sources. 
Efforts to play up the presence of organo-halogens in nature is designed to 
minimize concern over the growing level of man made organo-halogens. Those 
growing levels are the topic of discussion on this list.

I would like to know what yours and David's views are with regard to 
organo-halogens in the environment. Are there there to many, or to much? Are 
there not enough? Should we worry about them in baby food? Through out this 
discussion, I'm afraid that I don't have a sense of what level of concern 
over the issue of organo-halogens you feel is appropriate. Let's start by 
finding our common ground, what we can agree on.

I know of no one on the list who is intimidated or distrustful of those with 
academic or professional credentials for many on the list fit into this 
category. I must admit that you and David are an enigma to me and perhaps 
others. I usually have a sense of the group affiliations and professional 
backgrounds of many on the list (especially the frequent contributors), yet I 
know nothing of you. This is not to say that I am suspicious, but those 
making such numerous and broad challenges to the views of some on the list 
should reveal more of their background, motives etc. There are debates on 
this list, but they have tended to be between those with whom we are 
familiar, and regard well defined technical topics.

Since I feel (perhaps irrationally) that the level and diversity of 
organo-halogens in our environment is growing and showing little sign of 
doing otherwise, I am formally announcing that I have been, and remain a 
"CHLORO PHOBE".

I challenge the great number of people on the list to participate in this 
important discussion and to reveal what they dare about themselves.

Cheers,

Carl Evertson
3810 Nebraska Ave.
Nashville, TN. 37209
615 385-4872

B.S. Degree Vanderbilt Univ.
Anthropology/ Human Resource Development

Occupation:
Custom woodworker

Activist affiliation:
Cumberland Greens Bioregional Council