Costs of Pollution

Re “Court to Weigh Cost Effect of Clean-Air Plans,” May 31:

The trucking industry and others are asking the public to subsidize their industries not only financially but with our health, quality of life and, for 15,000 people a year, life itself. They ask that cost (to them) be taken into account in setting anti-pollution standards.

Why not also take into account the direct public and private costs of health care for problems caused by the pollution: increased asthma, cancer, emphysema and the exacerbation of other conditions? Why not take into account the public and private costs of clean-up from pollution and even the reduced property values and reduced desirability for business and tourism?

CONSTANCE CHESNUT

Los Angeles