How dangerous is dioxin?

Article Abstract:

It is becoming clear that TCDD (dioxin) can cause cancer and is a potent toxin in rodents. It is thus important to control exposure by humans, even though this is costly. Traces of dioxin, which is not manufactured for commercial use, can be detected in other products. The effects of low-level human exposure to TCDD, however, have not been clearly demonstrated, and additional research is needed. The evidence of human risk that is currently available, while not constituting proof, should be taken seriously. The degree of risk that seems to exist in certain occupations is unacceptable, and exceeds ordinary limits for lifetime risk in the population at large. Additional research should reduce the uncertainty concerning the actual hazards posed by dioxin. It is increasingly difficult to maintain that low exposure to dioxin is safe for humans. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Patient outcomes, Mortality, Dioxin, Dioxins, editorial

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Is there an inherited general susceptibility to cancer?

Article Abstract:

Methods used in a Danish study that found that parents of children with cancer generally do not have a greater risk of cancer than other adults may have underestimated the risk among family members. One possibility not addressed in the study is that incidence rates could be lower among people who have children compared to people without children. Also, not all people with cancer have the relevant mutated genes and fewer of the relatives carry the genes. The study's use of the conventional diagnostic classification of cancer may not be the best approach to look for inherited susceptibility to cancer. Grouping different types of cancer according to suspected genetic or environmental causes may be a better method. However, the study is valuable and will help alleviate worries among family members of children with cancer.

Editorial, Genetic aspects, Cancer in children, Childhood cancer

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Computed tomography - an increasing source of radiation exposure

Article Abstract:

The epidemiologic studies about the Computed tomographic (CT) scans and implication of higher radiation exposure for public health is presented. The findings suggest that radiation dose from even two or three CT scans could result in a detectable increase in the risk of cancer, especially in children.

United States, Complications and side effects, CT imaging, CAT scans, Dosage and administration, Radiation exposure

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