Wines & Pesticides/Insectisides

[Capocheny]

Dr. Bucko,

Finally, an expert that can speak on this subject... [img]http://www.wines.com/ubb2/smile.gif[/img]

Perhaps, you're correct... I shouldn't have made an unfounded statement about the painkillers. However, I believe it was one of the physicians from the FDA that raised the alarm on the Vioxx. He seemed genuinely concerned... he's being an alarmist in your opinion?

"Penicillin and aspirin are two of the most dangerous drugs on the market, FWIW. I don't see any movement to have them removed."

I would suggest that the difference between these two drugs and insecticides/pesticides that "may" be found in some wines is that most physicians are well aware of the negatives/positives of penicillin and aspirin. Furthermore, these drugs are used in the "treatment of..." as opposed to being "causative agents to..."

And, if you're to argue that penicillin and aspirin are also potentially causative agents... I won't argue that point other than to say that, for the most part "outcomes from the ingestion of these two meds are at least, "known (other than idiosyncratic reactions) and can be managed," which is contrary to the unknown effects of pesticides/insecticides that may/may not be found in wines. Lastly, it would be interesting to know the half-lifes of these meds compared to the unknown chemicals found in the insecticides/pesticides.

In conclusion, if I hear you correctly... you're suggesting that, just because it isn't removed from the marketplace, it's okay? That we don't need to be concerned about these issues?

Ergo, if there are chemicals such as insecticides/pesticides in wines but they're not being removed (because there's no deep pockets for the lawyers to sue)... that we should simply accept this as being acceptable? Just maintain the status quo? Don't question it... Yes? No?

Doc, I'm not meaning to be alarmist here... it was simply a matter of questioning the potential effects (either real or not) of such contaminants on our systems. You may well be right and these contaminants may not even be present in our wines. My sole intention is to throw the question out there for discussion (out of interest.)

As for what offends you... [img]http://www.wines.com/ubb2/smile.gif[/img] I think I'll let WW respond to that one! [img]http://www.wines.com/ubb2/smile.gif[/img] Glad to hear that you're not easily offended... you must be a cabernet grape too!

BTW... I'll take this opportunity to thank you for the discussion! [img]http://www.wines.com/ubb2/smile.gif[/img]

Cheers