[CPEO-MEF] Toxin

[dickboyd@aol.com]

William H. Sautter of Virginia in a letter to the Wall Street Journal on 
12/30/02 points out that the word TOXIN refers to poisonous compounds 
produced by living organisms or the related proteins such as ricin. By this 
accounting, perchlorate is NOT a toxin.

Perhaps the word POISON would be more appropriate when referring to 
perchlorate?

OK, this is a nitpick, but low doses of TOXINS produce ANTI-TOXINS that offer 
a degree of immunity. Low doses of perchlorate do not produce an immunity. 
Homeopathy does not appear to apply to perchlorate.

Does the word POISON carry more urgency than the work TOXIN? Is a neologism 
in order?

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