Low-dose radiation: latest data renew questions of 'safe' level

Article Abstract:

For the first time, the US Department of Energy (DOE) has opened its files on the health effects of low-dose radiation on workers in nuclear facilities. This action results from a report issued by the Secretarial Panel for the Evaluation of Epidemiological Research Activities (SPEERA). The data may make risk estimation possible for cancers associated with low-dose radiation, something that has been impossible as long as the Department withheld the data. Epidemiologist Alice Stewart and statistician George Kneale will assess the earliest-released data, with the support of the Three Mile Island Public Health Fund. Stewart believes that some previous studies by DOE researchers have been incomplete. One possible confounding factor is the 'healthy-worker effect', the fact that workers in the nuclear industry are above average in overall health. In such a population, a cancer rate that is normal may not mean that the group is not affected by radiation, since their 'normal' rate would be lower. Commentary on possible bias in DOE studies from various authorities is provided. Release of the data by the DOE has been applauded on all sides, although some people, such as the president of the National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements, do not anticipate major revelations from the analysis. Such studies have severe limitations that can induce bias, but they are the only way population-based observations can be made. Low exposures, rare diseases, and long disease onset, complicate the epidemiologic picture. In any event, an agency concerned with production, as is the DOE, faces a conflict of interest when it oversees the health of its workers. Some observers feel the Department is not complying with the essence of the SPEERA report and is moving too slowly in releasing data. Congressional mandate may be required, and two bills are pending that would transfer DOE's epidemiological investigations to another federal agency. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Reports, Measurement, Radiation, United States. Department of Energy, Radiation measurement, Nuclear facilities, National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements

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More studies pending of low-dose radiation

Article Abstract:

A recent study from Great Britain reports that, while the relatively low increase in contamination near nuclear reactors has not been linked to an increase in cancer, children born to fathers who work at these facilities have a slightly increased risk of leukemia. Work is nearing completion on a study using data obtained from 107 countries and 62 nuclear facilities regarding the relationship between living close to these plants and death from cancer. Specifically examined is the population mortality from cancer before and after the commissioning of the nuclear facilities. Another study is exploring the level of radiation exposure to workers at these facilities. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Officials and employees, Causes of, Risk factors, Nuclear industry, Nuclear power plants, Cancer, Leukemia

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Investigators present latest findings on Hong Kong 'bird flu' to the FDA

Article Abstract:

Surveillance of wild birds may be necessary to monitor the avian influenza virus that struck Hong Kong in 1997. The virus was not known to infect humans until a young boy died from respiratory disease in May, 1997. An influenza virus was isolated from his windpipe and was later identified as the avian virus H5N1. As of Dec, 1997, 18 people had been infected and 8 died. Hong Kong officials ordered the slaughter of all chickens in farms and markets in Hong Kong and surrounding territories, which may have stopped the spread of the disease.

Hong Kong, Avian influenza

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