EMF-cancer link still murky

Article Abstract:

In the past several years, it has been suggested that electromagnetic fields (EMFs) generated by power lines and electrical appliances, such as televisions, hair dryers, microwave ovens, or even curling irons, may cause health problems. Some studies show increased rates of brain cancer and leukemia among electrical workers and others who are exposed to strong EMFs at their jobs. It has also been suggested that children exposed to EMFs may have two to three times the risk of developing leukemia. John Peters, an epidemiologist from the University of Southern California, has recently released a study implying that the risks of developing leukemia are correlated with the level of exposure to EMFs. The study examined 232 leukemia patients under than age of 10, and a group of control subjects that were matched for age, sex, and race. The amount of EMF exposure for each child was determined in a number of ways. No correlation was found between the incidence of leukemia and the electric field exposure as measured by spot checking. An insignificant correlation was noted between incidence of leukemia and levels of exposure to magnetic fields, as measured by a continual measurements over a 24-hour period. A significant correlation was seen between the EMF exposure, as measured by wire coding, and an increased risk of leukemia. Those with the highest level of exposure had a 2.5-fold greater risk of developing leukemia. It is not understood how these differences in correlation depend on the way the EMFs are measured. It is possible that some types of EMF exposure may lead to an increased risk of leukemia. On the other hand, measurements taken by wire coding may be more sensitive. Further study is needed to see what factors are being measured by the wire coding and not by the other methods. Until that is understood, it is not clear if exposure to high levels of EMFs is related to an increased risk of leukemia. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Environmental aspects, Leukemia, Electromagnetic radiation, Electromagnetic waves

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Clinical trials: it's still a man's world

Article Abstract:

In 1986, the National Institutes of Health began promoting the inclusion of greater numbers of women in clinical studies. Recently, the General Accounting Office released a report stating that may studies are still biased against women. Although some scientists express fears that the monthly cycle of hormonal changes may distort some results, there is little evidence on how big a problem this actually might be. Representative Olympia Snowe (R-Maine) pointed out that a recent study of the efficacy of aspirin in preventing coronary disease involved 22,071 men and no women. Snowe claims that as a result, we do not know if aspirin can help women. The Congressional Caucus on Women's Issues will soon introduce legislation barring the use of federal funds to support research which arbitrarily excludes women, and NIH staff will be instructed on how to apply and carry out the policy of sexual equality in research that was instituted four years ago. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Social aspects, Science and technology policy, Medical research, United States. National Institutes of Health, Human experimentation in medicine, Human medical experimentation, Sex discrimination against women, editorial

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Europe is urged to hold back on xenotransplant clinical trials

Article Abstract:

Its is expected that the parliamentary assembly of the Council of Europe, a political body with members from 40 European countries, will vote in favour of a moratorium on xenotransplantation clinical trials. It wants the risks of creating new pandemics to be better assessed and its views have been supported by some in the scientific community. However many in the biomedical industry want to see clinical trials proceed, believing that a moratorium would inhibit scientific efforts required to resolve remaining problems.

Planning, Safety and security measures, Transplantation of organs, tissues, etc., Organ transplantation, Tissue transplantation, Transplantation

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