Database

The standard test for BSE agent involves contaminating live mice and waiting several months to examine brain tissue samples. A new test, which could take less than a day, has been developed to proof-of-principle stage. Evidence from: JP Deslys, et al. Nature. (2001) Vol. 409 6819, p 476-7 A cheap accurate test could enable rapid testing of cattle nearing slaughter. More work is needed before this test permits case by case decision-making for individual cattle. The Radar report is available to subscribers: 1#2 6

This academic paper presents a meta analysis of evidence for a multiplicative risk effect of combined asbestos and smoking exposure. Evidence from: PN Lee. Occupational and Environmental Medicine (2001) Vol.58 #3 p.145. Under typical exposure conditions, the relative risk from asbestos dust exposure was around 5 and from smoking, around 10 giving a combined relative risk of 50. The Radar report is available to subscribers: 1#2 5

This academic paper reports a risk function linking death from coronary heart disease to age, diastolic blood pressure, cholesterol and smoking.  Evidence from: JJMcNeil et al. Journal of Cardiovascular Risk. Feb (2001) Vol.8 #1 p.31. When there are multiple possible causes, the contribution made by a negligent exposure may be estimated if the contribution from all other relevant exposures is known. Heart disease is a slowly developing condition leading to sudden deterioration. The Radar report is available to subscribers: 1#2 4

This academic paper reports a strong association between smoking (cumulative exposure) and a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis. There was evidence of increasing risk with increasing exposure, but this was not systematic in pattern. Evidence from: D. Hutchinson et al. Annals of Rheumatic Disease. Jan (2001) Vol. 60 #3 Along with estimates of the incidence of rheumatoid arthritis and the prevalence of smoking habit, the annual number of cases attributable to tobacco smoke may be estimated. The Radar report is available to subscribers: 1#2 3

Evidence from: Sandström M, et al, Occupational Medicine,(2001) Vol. 51 #1, p.25-35. Research into mobile phone use and association with subjective symptoms (sensations of warmth, headaches and discomfort). Comparisons of analogue and digital systems were made, with few significant results. Lower risk for sensations of warmth were observed for digital systems. This was linked to differences in phone temperatures between the two systems. Comment No attempt was made to ascribe links to harm. Indeed any subjective symptoms appeared to be automatically linked to mobile phone use rather than any other psychosocial factors.

This report of the proceedings of a meeting held at the Royal Institution of Great Britain, 21st Feb 2001. Mains frequency and radio frequency exposures were reviewed and reported upon; providing a snap shot of the state of knowledge. Evidence from: A meeting at the Royal Institution of Great Britain 21st February 2001. Uncertainty was the main characteristic of each of the topics discussed yet application of the precautionary principle (as it was then understood) gave rise to some recommendations which could be regarded by some as indicating a date of knowledge. Besides the ‘high fear’ diseases such as cancer, there was a reference to microwave sickness (reference provided). The Radar report is available to subscribers: (3 pages) 1#2 1