Prospective cohort studies to assess radon risk

[FIELDRW@aol.com]

Are any researchers performing prospective studies? Case-control studies are 
appropriate methods to suggest a hazard.

Ecologic studies are useful for forming hypotheses.  Case-contol studies are 
used to estimate an hypothesized association that is derivable directly only 
in a cohort study.  Unfortuantely, the cost of a prospective cohort study to 
examine the risk posed by residential radon exposure is prohibitive by cost.  
The cost to perform such a study (prospective cohort study) would easily 
exceed 25 million dollars. 

 
 One thing I'm not clear on (and apparently no one else is either) is what
 are the top 5 causes of lung cancer.

I believe there is convincing evidence that the following exposures cause 
lung cancer: radon, asbestos, mustard gas, and passive smoke.  There is also 
some evidence that the following compounds produce lung cancer: arsenic, 
vinyl chloride, polyaromatic hydrocarbons, nickel, chromium (hexavalent), 
chloromethyl methyl ether, cadmium, and bis-chloromethyl ether.  Others 
compounds have been suggested to casue lung cancer including: silica, 
fiberglass, diesel engine exhaust, beryllium, and acrylonitrile.

This list does not include enetic factor or other factors like dietary 
(well-done meat).  
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