November 14, 1978

Natl Cancer Inst repts ethylene dibromide (EDB), widely used as gasoline additive and crop fumigant, is most potent carcinogen ever found in inst animal-testing program; warns of threat to humans but will study whether danger extends beyond workers exposed to chem; about 350-million lbs were produced in '76, most used in leaded gasoline to keep lead from accumulating in engine parts; has been used since related pesticide DBCP was banned for causing human sterility; Ethyl Corp repts no problems among workers over 10-yr Period; criticizes Govt study (M)

series of kidnappings and beatings of white farmers heightens racial tension in Zambia, where wave of antiwhite hostility has followed Rhodesian bombing raids on suspected guerrilla bases; incidents revd; illus (M)

Growing number of state and local school bds are adopting teacher 'competency tests'; action attributed to concern over student deficiencies and to tight job mkt; teacher orgns' reaction to new test is mixed; cities and states that have adopted or plan to adopt competency tests noted; drawings; illus (L)

Iranian employees of Telecommunications Co demand expulsion of Amer workers (S)

Hotel occupancy running at 90%, forcing many travelers to settle for accommodations in outlying areas; increased tourism linked to dollar devaluation and campaigns promoting NY; remodeling and new construction plans for several hotels noted (M)