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Several years ago, D. Koshland, the editor of
"Science" published a note presenting the idea that the noted lower cancer
rate (and increased longevity) in high altitude areas might not be due to
increased background radiation, but more likely was due to lower oxygen levels.
The harmful effects of high levels of oxygen are well known ( retinitis
pigmentosa, oxygen toxicity in high pressure environments as in deep sea diving,
etc.), so he theorized that increased oxygen at sea level vs. high
mountain areas might contribute toward increased carcinogenic effects.
Perhaps the EPA should implement measures to minimize peoples exposure to
oxygen unless, of course, they accept the preposterous notion of oxygen
hormesis.
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