As a person and her family who have endured all the changes in pesticide formulation and with no end in sight, I urge you to be aware of the new findings re. isomers.

The escalation of pesticides is abhorrent to many of us. It is not right to continue the pesticide assault on weeds and bugs and plant diseases when good technology is there to fill the gap. To continue these strong-arm tactics is detrimental to the health of our nation, and in the long run its economy. We can no longer sustain the health care costs or loss of our work force. People are robbed of work due to this assault.

I have a son who cannot work for the past 15 years because he worked in a school that used monthly insect control, chemical carpet cleaners, lavatory chemicals mixed with phosphoric acid that gave him chloracne and digestive problems, and outdoor weed killers. The school now uses IPM.

Sadly it is too late for my son as he no longer can go anywhere without suffering serious set backs. He has gone back to school to retrain. Starts out with A's and B's and disintegrates to incompletes as the school is painting or the in-door air quality is bad. After Jim's last foray into retraining at the technical school, they started a " clean -up the air campaign " instigated by a local union. I happened to talk to his counselor about why he was not doing his school work and falling behind. The counselor said, " I thought he was on street drugs". Yes, he was on drugs all right...... the ones that the pesticide companies push! Jim never did drugs. He would not go to the lavs in high school, because he did not like the smell of marijuana.

Jim loved working in a school environment. He taught school sports during the summer and after school. He played baseball with the county leagues. He coached a Little League Team. His recreation director wanted him to get his degree so he could be a supervisor. The college he attended used weed killer on 24 acres including his practice club baseball field. He lost his pitching arm in his freshman year. He became tired all the time. He did not want to disappoint his father or me, and he acted out going to school for 4 years! He was going to the library and spending his time reading books.

He worked part-time coaching team sports. Eventually, the director had to let him go because he lacked a degree.

In maintenance he was assigned the locker rooms where he complained of light headedness and dizzyness. I can't imagine the combination of M.A.D. (phosphoric acid) plus the chlorine vapor from the pool area ...what effect did this combination have on his Central Nervous System?

I have a label that reads DO NOT USE PHOSPHORIC ACID WITH ANOTHER CHEMICAL. Yet organophosphates are allowed to be used full scale on food crops , schools, hospitals, apartment buildings. Jim's school was sprayed once a month despite parental concerns. (Parents who were doctors, lawyers and other professionals in this affluent school system). The school now uses IPM.

Jim spent the $12,000 he had saved for lawyers and doctors. He was unable to get workman's comp. Reason: Pre-existing Condition.

I hope you realize the magnitude of the problem that the American people face with the present system of assault.

It is mirrored in our violent times! Violent chemicals breed more violence.

There has to be a better way. I say "Don't buy into it". Put your money where it will reap honest and peaceful rewards. God help us!

Joan Viergutz Retired R.N. and Public Health Nurse.