Database

The extensive and logically structured report examines what research is needed to support the risk regulation of nanotechnologies. Attention is restricted to poorly soluble, engineered particles that may be encountered during manufacture or as free particles in a product and which have the potential to persist once in the body. In our view, a significant absence from the plan is the understanding of the mode of action of the nano particles; i.e. those actions which make them commercially exploitable. Evidence from: BfR August 2006 “DRAFT: Nanotechnology: Health and Environmental Risks of Nanoparticles– Research strategy” The research needs identified are based entirely on classical toxicology and exposure assessment concepts e.g. surface area, bio persistence, surface reactivity, stereochemistry. There is no mention of risk assessment for the intended property or action of the nano engineered product. The rationale is based on passive properties. Further detail: 6#9-10 14

The finding that use of sunbeds could lead to increased risk of melanoma and squamous cell carcinoma cancer should come as no surprise. Evidence from: IARC Press Release No 171 29th November 2006 “Sunbed use in youth unequivocally associated with skin cancer” Further detail. 6#9-10 13

An outbreak of H5N1 in factory farmed turkeys has been controlled through a policy of containment and slaughter. No vaccination of poultry was involved. The outbreak originated in Hungary but there was no identifiable breach of H5N1 control regulations or other duties. Evidence from: Health Protection Agency/Food Standards Authority 15th Feb 2007. “Possible transmission of H5N1 avian influenza virus from imported Hungarian turkey meat to the UK” Further detail: 6#9-10 12

Contrary to mainstream opinion there was no clear link between susceptibility to allergens [i.e. Atopy] and asthma rates. Instead it was found that prevalence of atopy was uniform regardless of asthma rates. Interpretations include the strong possibility that there is an [unidentified] environmental cause of atopy. Evidence from: R Ronchetti et al. Int Arch Allergy Immunol (2007) Vol.142 p 79–85 “The Prevalence of Atopy in Asthmatic Children Correlates Strictly with the Prevalence of Atopy among Nonasthmatic Children” Further detail: 6#9-10 11

Evidence from: DoH news release 1st December 2006 “Health Secretary announces date England will go smoke free” The smoke free elements of the Health Act 2006, come into force from 6am on the 1st July 2007. Virtually all enclosed public places and workplaces will become smoke free environments. This will include offices, factories, shops, pubs, bars, restaurants, membership clubs, public transport and work vehicles that are used by more than one person. Indoor smoking rooms, still common in workplaces, will no longer be allowed. Anyone intending to smoke who is in an enclosed public place or workplace will have to go outside instead. This legislation will help to prevent the unnecessary deaths caused every year from second-hand smoke, and recognises that there is absolutely no safe level of exposure. Comment The precise wording of the law was not available on the 1st December. The consultation document asserted that there was no safe level of exposure to tobacco smoke. Proof

Evidence from: IARC Press release No. 173. 1st Feb 2007 “IARC Study Demonstrates Exposure to Coworkers’ Tobacco Smoke Increases Lung Cancer Risk” A more detailed report of this work will be published in an academic journal in the near future. For now, the following quote is indicative of the anticipated findings. For the first time, a clear dose-response between exposure to co-workers’ smoke and lung cancer risk was demonstrated, which greatly strengthens the causal interpretation of the increased lung cancer findings. It is noteworthy that the dose-response analysis showed a twofold increased risk of lung cancer among highly exposed workers. Comment Some Claimants could be convincing as to the probability that their only significant exposure was at work.