Chemicals

It is a heartening tribute to the resourcefulness of U.S. chemical companies that they have suitable substitutes for ozone-shredding chlorofluorocarbons waiting in the wings. (Does anyone doubt that they’ll be considerably more expensive than the current culprits?)

But wait! Could we use this crisis to find out the awful truths about the possible toxic, carcinogenic, environmental or otherwise hazardous effects of these new substance now, before another couple of decades roll by? I want full, impartial disclosure on these chemicals just as I expect it in foodstuffs, medicines, or household cleaners. In the light of this experience, to assume harmlessness is naivest folly.

PETER E. SUTHEIM

Los Angeles