I cannot accept Gemma Thwaite's Darwinian and possibly neo-fascist claim that increases in allergies and asthma is due to dilution of the gene pool caused by the survival of human weaklings made possible by medical science (Opinion, June 29).

My genes are just fine, thank you Ms Thwaite, and I was not a premature baby.

I doubt whether many others who, like me, suffer allergies, asthma and chronic fatigue, were premature babies either.

I prefer to see us as victims of the current debased and dehumanised global environment.

The immune systems of even the fittest were never intended by nature to be subjected to the tremendous daily stresses from pollution, chemicals, artificial food, overwork, noise and information overload which modern people have to bear.

The medical profession, a very conservative body, has totally failed to keep up with the various modern diseases which afflict increasing numbers of people.

It is scandalous allergies are still not taken seriously, while Sussex still remains without any proper provision for chronic fatigue sufferers.

-Nigel Breakspear, Brunswick Square, Hove