Database

The mechanism of the protective effect of alcohol consumption in men and women appears to depend on gender in the 50 – 65 age group. Risk modelling that fails to recognise this effect could be significantly inaccurate; leading to false, gender specific, associations between hazard and heart disease. Evidence from: J Tolstrup et al. BMJ (2006) Vol.332 p 1244-1248 “Prospective study of alcohol drinking patterns and coronary heart disease in women and men” In terms of risk modelling, this paper shows that there are no simple ways of characterising the balance between adverse and beneficial effects of alcohol consumption. Further detail: 6#5-6 18

Deliberate inclusion of ingredients which contain allergens is already regulated and packaging should be labelled. Unintentional contamination is not regulated. This paper provides voluntary guidance on the latter. Evidence from: Food Standards Agency July 2006. “Voluntary: Guidance on Allergen Management and Consumer Information.” Advisory labelling should only be used when, following a thorough risk assessment, there is a demonstrable and significant risk of allergen cross-contamination. The guidance might form part of a state of the art defence. Further detail: 6#5-6 17

Levels of obesity look set to continue to rise over the next 4 years. The report attempts to quantify the trend. Evidence from: P Zaninotto et al. Department of Health July 2006 “Forecasting Obesity to 2010” It is estimated that in 2010 around 6,658,953 men and 5,984,653 women will be obese; the numbers who are overweight (but not obese) will stay roughly the same as in 2003. It is estimated that in 2010 around 792,321 boys and 910,630 girls will be obese. Obesity in children is strongly associated with obesity in one or both parents. A number of liability risks are moderated by body mass. Trends should be adequately modelled in experience trends unless new duty standards are introduced. Further detail: 6#5-6 16

Hydrogen as a means for delivering energy to the point of need is most probably limited to its use in fuel cells. Fuel cells would convert hydrogen chemical energy into electricity; the only exhaust being water. Evidence from: Health and Safety Laboratory HSL/2006/59 “The Hydrogen Economy – Evaluation of the materials science and engineering issues” Risks appear to be manageable. But uptake is likely to be low; it is not cost effective yet. Further detail: 6#5-6 15

Disposable respirators provide additional protection against flu infection but they should not be reused. A used respirator is a potential source of infection. Evidence from: National Academy of Sciences 11637 “Reusability of Facemasks During an Influenza Pandemic: Facing the Flu” Uncorrected Proof Some employers and emergency response organisations might be tempted to supply respirators. Further detail: 6#5-6 14

The review weighs up the various approaches that have been developed for predicting recidivism in sex offenders. An outright ban on anyone with a conviction from having involvement with children may be the surest way of protecting children but is it proportionate in every case? A 100% accurate assessment tool could make other options available. Evidence from: R Mandeville-Norden et al. Child Abuse Review (2006) Vol.15 p 257 – 272 “Risk Assessment of Sex Offenders: The Current Position in the UK” Those who have a duty to manage sex offenders have large liabilities to manage too. Further detail: 6#5-6 13