Multiple factors are contributing to the rise of cancer

It is a known fact that pesticides, as well as many other chemicals, can trigger cancer (Doctors in UAE report increase in chronic illnesses due to pesticides, July 16). Sadly, there are many factors contributing to higher rates of cancer, including toxic materials being used in construction, which pollute our living and working environment, while exhausts of cars are not as regulated here as in some other countries.

Wiltrud Matthes, Dubai

I think consumers should be told about the levels of pesticides in fruit and vegetables sold at supermarkets.

Neena Dewan, Dubai

Employers hold passports of their employees illegally

I refer to Keren Bobker's Q&A Retaining an employee's passport is against the law (July 15). There needs to be huge efforts to combat this practice. It's essentially holding someone against their will. That's not OK.

Rgna Cordell, Abu Dhabi

This is common practice here and employers hold the passports of their employees despite being aware that it is illegal. They know that those employees cannot complain as they are afraid of losing their jobs.

Name withheld by request

Holding someone's passport is illegal. Nobody should comply with an illegal policy. Your passport is not your personal property; it is the property of your government. No company in the world has the authority to confiscate, seize or hold it, except government agencies and officials.
Alexey Ballyev, Dubai

A passport is the property of the issuing government. No foreign entity has the right to seize or hold it. That’s clearly mentioned on the first page of every passport.

Haroon Rashid, Dubai

Gulf airlines must be proud, but Qatar Airways’ remark was rude

In reference to the news item American Airlines slams 'offensive' remarks by Qatar Airways chief executive (July 13), recently my daughter in the United States was dealing with a flight problem with American Airlines. The flight was delayed on the runway, then the passengers were off loaded for further delay and, finally, the flight was cancelled. This was a domestic flight. The airline handled it very badly and were very rude. She compared it to her situation when she missed a connection in Dublin when travelling with Etihad several years ago. The Gulf carriers handle all this better than the US carriers and should brag about it.

Beverly Newell, Dubai