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RE: Another RE: Relative Toxicity Pu Vs DDT



You have touched on something interesting.  Yes.  DDT ban is associated 
with softening of egg shells and the consequent gross reduction in the 
number of raptors.  Peregrine falcons are the best known for their DDT 
induced decline.  Despite the oft repeated egg shell problem, it has not 
been convincingly demonstrated.  The experiment that is usually cited was 
not reproducible by the investigator.  As an amateur raptor biologist I 
have pointed out this discrepancy to professional friends after they note 
with dismay the very high level of DDT decay products found in successfully 
nesting peregrines.  My observation is rarely appreciated.

Joe Alvarez
Auxier & Associates, Inc
10317 Technology Dr, Suite 1
Knoxville, TN 37932
Email: jalvarez@auxier.com
Tel: 423-675-3669
FAX: 423-675-3677


-----Original Message-----
From:	VERNIG.PETER@FORUM.VA.GOV [SMTP:VERNIG.PETER@FORUM.VA.GOV]
Sent:	Thursday, January 28, 1999 3:45 PM
To:	Multiple recipients of list
Subject:	Another RE: Relative Toxicity Pu Vs DDT

When I was a student at San Jose State University I recall a professor
who periodically would eat DDT.  As I recall the reason DDT was banned
was not high toxicity to humans but a problem with chronic ingestion for
endangered birds of prey.  Softened the egg shells and led to more risk
of not hatching.  Birds only produced one or two eggs a season and survival
rate to adulthood was not high anyway.

It would be interesting if both parties to the bet walked away from the
table.  I beleive the Prof ate more than a gram.  PLEASE UNDERSTAND I AM
NOT RECOMMENDING ANYONE TAKE THAT BET.  I certainly would do some research
befor I would consider even consider it.  But if the report is true, it
shows how we HPs can be prey to the same ignorance we decry in the uninform
ed public in fields outside of HP.

These are absolutely my opinions only and not those of my employer or any-
body else!

Peter G. Vernig

PS To reply PRIVATELY initiate a new message to vernig.peter@forum.va.gov
No flames please!
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