SUPREME COURT REJECTS APPEAL ON ALAR, RULES ON MARCOS ASSETS

The US Supreme Court refused to revive a lawsuit by consumer activist Ralph Nader, environmentalists, and others seeking a government ban on the pesticide Alar. On Monday the court, without comment, let stand a ruling that threw out the suit.

Alar, sold by Uniroyal Chemical Company, is used primarily to enhance the color and uniform ripening of apples. According to some studies, it can cause cancer in animals and may be a serious health risk to humans, particularly children.

But the Environmental Protection Agency on Jan. 6, 1987, rejected a plea by environmentalists and others to ban Alar. The agency said it lacked sufficient evidence to order the pesticide off the market.

In other action, the court turned away an appeal by deposed Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos and his wife, Imelda, aimed at overturning a court order freezing their assets. The ruling in effect requires the Marcoses to defend themselves in a lawsuit filed by the Philippine government.