STATE HAS HAZARDS OTHER THAN HANDGUNS

                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: THURSDAY, February 11, 1993                   TAG: 9302110331
SECTION: EDITORIAL                    PAGE: A-14   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short
STATE HAS HAZARDS OTHER THAN HANDGUNS
HOW STUPID are people? If secondhand smoke is so dangerous, what about other pollution we inhale or ingest?
The next time you are at work, consider this: When you open a container of cleaner, solvent or any man-made substance, you are probably exposed to dangerous chemicals. Industrial workers face different airborne hazards than office workers, but all airborne contamination should be considered harmful.
The fact is there are many different substances dangerous to humans. The latest (delayed) effect of many substances is generally 10 to 40 years before health problems arise. This varies with exposure level and length, but what about multiple contaminates?
The exposure to different types of electrical fields, microwaves, radio waves and other energy sources also affect people. From paper bags to carpet, home hazards are plentiful and deadly.
The recent uproar about handguns is only a distraction from the real problem. I do not know if the 24,000 number represents those killed or injured by all guns or just handguns. I do know that more than 250,000 Americans are killed or injured by legal drugs every year. Ask police what percentage of violent crime involved alcohol.
Virginia exports death in cigarettes and expresses pride in its moonshine. The real facts about these two issues would surprise the public and embarrass politicians. The problems are not guns but the violent and intolerant society in which we live. MITCHELL P. BUPP MONETA

by Archana Subramaniam by CNB