Database

Evidence from: DJ Hendrick. Clinical and Experimental Allergy Vol. 31 Jan (2001) p.1. An editorial on occupational asthma. The author notes that 11% of incident cases of occupational asthma are in fact reactive airways dysfunction syndrome I.e. no allergen involved. Triggered by irritants and viruses. Comment An important distinction, and one which is increasingly suspected for childhood asthma.

This academic paper seeks evidence for an occupational cause of Cryptogenic Fibrosing Alveolitis (a disease which is similar in some respects to asbestosis). Evidence from: JC McDonald et al. Chest Feb (2001) Vol. 119 #2 p. 428. Significant risks were found in coal miners an electrical/electronics workers. The Radar report is available to subscribers: 1#3 5

The research should provide the means to estimate the attributable case load for leukaemia, rectum cancer, lung cancer and “all” cancer. Work cohorts in this study were dental, medical, industrial and nuclear. Evidence from: WN Sont et al. American Journal of Epidemiology Feb (2001) Vol. 153 #4 p. 309 In practice the results were of doubtful statistical significance. The approach to risk adopted in radiation regulation and medicine seems far removed from an approach based on the balance of probabilities. The Radar report is available to subscribers: 1#3 4

The academic research reports on the prevalence of neck pain among British adults. Associations with ergonomics, sex, smoking, generalised pain and stress were explored. Evidence from: KTPalmer et al. Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment and Health. Feb (2001) Vol.27 #1 p.49. Neck pain is very common and interferes with normal activity. Inaccurate causal attributions are likely to be made at a high rate. This report shows which factors are associated and which are not. It also provides data which can be used in liability exposure estimates. The Radar report is available to subscribers: 1#3 3

The research finds support for a new technique to distinguish acquired from innate Raynaud’s disease. Early detection could lead to better prevention, differential diagnosis leads to more accurate claiming (or not claiming). Evidence from: HJAnders et al. Annals of Rheumatic Diseases April (2001) Vol. 60 #4 p. 407 Proof of principle must be followed up by representative research before it can be used in the field or in medico-legal examination. The Radar report is available to subscribers: 1#3 2

The review carries some weight with policy makers, it focusses on mains frequency fields. The risk in the UK would seem to be  small; even when using medical statistics. Evidence from: NRPB Volume 12 #1 (2001). ISSN 0958 5648. price £30.00 ‘ELF Electromagnetic Fields and the Risk of Cancer?’ If eventually there is some causal link uncovered, the data in this report provide a basis from which to estimate the liability exposure. The Radar report is available to subscribers: 1#3 1