Sir, - The recent call by the Irish Multiple Sclerosis Society on the Department of Health to investigate the possible link between environmental factors and incidences of the diseases in Ireland is to be welcomed. This call is particularly relevant in the light of the August, 1996, statement by 18 senior US scientists on the effects of many common toxic chemicals on the immune system.
This statement, published in Environmental Health Perspectives (Vol 104, pages 807-808) claimed that certain synthetic chemicals such as organophosphates, organohalogens, organotins, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, etc all present in the environment in the form of common pesticides, herbicides wood preservatives, etc, were directly responsible for serious alterations to the immune systems in both humans and animals.
These autoimmune deficiencies, according to the scientific consensus, manifest themselves as diabetes, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis and a dozen other diseases. According to the statement lifelong capacity for a healthy immune response is determined early in development, during prenatal and early postnatal development. Alterations in developing immune systems may not be recognised as an adverse health effect until long after exposure.
Is it not extraordinary therefore, given our government's longstanding commitment to the Precautionary Principle, that such highly toxic substances can be purchased, without let or hindrance, at any gardening or DIY centre in the country? - Yours, etc.,
Cork Environmental
Alliance Ltd,
Princes Street,
Cork.