CFC Reporting Marred by Political Correctness

Your article about conversion of CFC-based cooling systems (“Deep-Sixing CFCs,” Nov. 8) was incomplete, to say the least.

The first point that needs to be made is that there is a considerable amount of doubt as to whether or not man-made CFCs have any significant effect on atmospheric ozone levels.

Second, the jury is still out as to whether or not the variations in the ozone level are natural cycles, normal variations or the beginning of a trend; there is no scientific consensus on this. In fact, there is a growing movement to refute the ozone hole theory in general.

While you may not agree with it, you should mention it nonetheless to ensure a balanced story. Likewise, the potential for HFC-134a to contribute to the alleged-potential “greenhouse effect” is similarly debatable; there is no scientific consensus here, either.

Last, the full costs of conversion were never fully stated; they are considerably higher than what was mentioned. With questionable, if any, benefits to be derived from conversion, many of us feel these costs are unjustified.

The Times must come to realize that the EPA and environmental groups are not always right; this has been proven both in legal and scientific arenas. The Times’ responsibility to report balanced and complete information should not ever be compromised by political correctness.

FRANK BOHANAN

Fullerton