Document QJQdq9NbBneZ4O43k6BnmEBoE

J-jO ri > A ^ i HOMblK 6 AND CUMTlCft LTD The Field LONDON Weekly Circulation B11 v.'' -a. j'i Conservation priorities /'>! M* R t Podmore sih, By now we mutt ail know that conservation affects many in terests, and has various aspects. As ) write (lieu- should be no excuse for not liking immediate action. Undoubtedly the fust consideration should he that which so affects the life and health of wildlife, animals and ourselves--chemical pollution. We have spent wisely on habitat areas, hut nothing should deflect us from dealing with the true priority. The use of persistent poisons and ether chemical dangers must be stopped. DDT has the definite miing of a chemical carcinogen and cancer has increased beyond rt-sson, The sterilizing and destruc tion of wildlife will also continue for years after the last application of prrsiitent poison has been made. Whai are we waiting for? Are we considering our scientists --those who claim the ability to produce cheaper and really safe chemicals, and sav that they need co-operation, or are we merely con tinuing to crush such discoveries with inactivity? America has already acted against DDT. She is considering further >u-ps and declares that the cost of not doing so is 'huvond calcula tion'. Sweden, Australia and other countries are moving, hut we. who claimed to lead, mav be the last. T am much encouraged, though, by the voluntary withdtawal of the nnlvchlorinnied biphenyls (PCRs) by Monsanto Chemicals Ltd--our sole manufaiturcr. I learned of this fioni (la- KSI'H's magazine Biros. March-Apnl. 1971. l itis fine example may effectively reduce the destruction of marine life, and it terms thru people are also busy on oil pollution--all too lethal at sea. The detergents with which we thought to reduce the mess have, unfortunately, made matters worse for wildlife. On hnd we could end much de struction by following the example of those who have seen the facts, and by helping to find the cheap and safe alternatives circumstances have demanded for so long. a E PODMORE Mathcld, Kent. HONS 032298