Database

The study finds inconsistent evidence that children with leukaemia may be harmed by exposure to emfs at home. Evidence from: DE Foliart et al. British J Cancer. (2006) Vol.94 p 161 – 164 “Magnetic field exposure and long-term survival among children with leukaemia” For deaths, there was an association between exposure ≥ 0.3 μT and outcome; hazard ratio = 4.53 (95% CI = 1.49 to 13.7). Many parents would expect their child to survive leukaemia. It would be quite understandable that they would seek an explanation if the child dies. High exposure to emfs might encourage a claim. Case load can be estimated; in the UK there would be a maximum of 1 or 2 cases a year. Judgement as to the number of these that would have no other causal explanation, were strongly predicted to recover, and could provide evidence of emf exposure, would help insurers to manage the risk. Further detail: 6#1 28

The effectiveness of cognitive behavioural therapy as a treatment for electrical hypersensitivity suggests the disease is triggered and maintained by interpretation of perceived exposure. Illnesses created and maintained by perception alone are complex for insurers. A duty-holder could attempt to make reasonable accommodations but in so doing give the impression of meaningful care and may even encourage the harmful perception. Evidence from: GJ Rubin et al. Psychother Psychosm. (2006) Vol.75 p 12 – 18 “A Systematic Review of Treatments for Electromagnetic Hypersensitivity” Further detail: 6#1 27

This brief paper provides powerful evidence against any link between mobile phone use and the development of acoustic neuroma. Evidence from: PD Nelson et al. Neurology (2006) Vol. 66 p 284. “Trends in acoustic neuroma and cellular phones: Is there a link?” graph: 6#1 26

In our view, shift work will not feature as a significant cause of gout. Gout affects around 5% of men aged over 60. Evidence from: M Uetani et al. Occupational Medicine. (2006) Vol.56 p 83 – 88 “A longitudinal study of the influence of shift work on serum uric acid levels in workers at a telecommunications company” In our view, shift work was a very weak risk factor for high UA levels. Alternative potential causes for gout are quite common and gout is arguably a divisible disease. Further detail: 6#1 25

Evidence from: WHO (Europe) EUR/05/5058531(2006) “Highlights on health in the United Kingdom 2004” According to WHO (2003) estimates, a person born in the United Kingdom in 2002 can expect to live 78.2 years on average: 80.5 years if female and 75.8 if male. graph: 6#1 24

The ILO report emphasises the presumed relative vulnerability of older workers. If correct, rating for EL or WC could justifiably include and age factor. Evidence from: ILO: Conditions of Work and Employment Series No.15 (2006) “Conditions of work and employment for older workers in industrialized countries: Understanding the issues” Further detail: 6#1 23