Database

The asbestos exposure history for the GB working population is unknown. In the model presented here, relative asbestos exposure in occupational groups is assumed to correlate in some way with mesothelioma rates in those groups. After correcting for age and smoking effects, the model finds that the asbestos-related lung cancer: mesothelioma ratio is 0.65: 1 for the GB working population as a whole. Evidence from: AJ Darnton et al. Ann Occ Hyg. (2006) Vol.50#1 p 29 – 38 “Estimating the Number of Asbestos-related Lung Cancer Deaths in Great Britain from 1980 to 2000” As a rough estimate, allowing for deaths which occurred after age 74 the authors propose 11,500 asbestos related lung cancers in all in that period, compared with 17,491 total mesothelioma cases. Asbestos was responsible for around 3% of all lung cancer deaths. Further detail: 6#1 10

European Environment Agency Report No7 (2006) “How much bio-energy can Europe produce without harming the environment?” The report explores the potential for purpose grown feedstock for power and heating and the potential for recycling biomass wastes. Some wastes, their storage, transport and uses could present environmental liabilities and risks to persons. The main exploitable biowaste streams are solid agricultural residues (e.g. straw), wet manures, wood processing residues, the biodegradable part of municipal solid waste and black liquor from the pulp and paper industry.

The European climate is expected to change slowly i.e. decades not years. Several risks have been identified and measures could be taken to reduce the associated liabilities. Evidence from: Environment Agency. March (2005) “The Climate is Changing: Time to Get Ready” The report lists several areas where liability exposure change would be expected by extrapolation from current experience, but slow changes to exposure are readily accommodated in experince ratings. Further detail: 6#1 8

Fluoride is added to drinking water to prevent dental caries. In practice fluoride concentrations exceed recommended levels and may cause harm to teeth and bones. Evidence from: Committee on Fluoride in Drinking Water, National Research Council ISBN: 0-309-10128-X, “Fluoride in Drinking Water: A Scientific Review of EPA’s Standards” Safe and harmful levels are detailed in the report. An effect on children is described. Further detail: 6#1 7

Provided they were non-smokers, lung cancer cases with an environmental exposure leading to daily urinary excretion levels of more than 24 nmol of cadmium could argue that cadmium was the most likely explanation for the cancer. Cadmium exposure maps for the UK are publicly available. Evidence from: T Nawrot et al. Lancet Oncol. (2006) Vol.7 p 119 126 “Environmental exposure to cadmium and risk of cancer: a prospective population-based study” The paper also suggests a synergistic effect with smoking. Blood tests would identify those at significant risk, and would suggest causation in non-smokers. Further detail: 6#1 6

MCS patients did not have unusually heightened sense of smell but did have a stronger emotional response to unpleasant and pleasant smells. Combined with the results of other work it would seem that MCS cases have an unusually strong interpretation of perceived exposures. Evidence from: D Papo et al. J Psychosom Research. (2006) Vol. 60 p 199 – 209 “Chemosensory function and psychological profile in patients with multiple chemical sensitivity: Comparison with odor-sensitive and asymptomatic controls” further detail: 6#1 5