Cancer Rates
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Good to hear that cancer rates are dropping in the U.S. (March 13).
Sure, decreased tobacco use, healthier lifestyles and better medical care deserve some of the credit. However, the article neglected the wide range of environmental improvements that have occurred in the United States due to enforcement of environmental regulations. Airborne carcinogens, such as benzene found in gasoline, have been significantly decreased primarily via air quality regulations. Similarly, ground water aquifers contaminated with solvents are being cleaned up and protected primarily due to water quality and hazardous waste regulations.
Credit for controlling of radioactive wastes, pesticides and other carcinogenic or potentially carcinogenic chemicals is again due largely to the enforcement of environmental regulations.
BILL ARKFELD
Santa Margarita
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