Re: Cohen's ecological data: a test of LNT?

[Tom Mohaupt <tom.mohaupt@wright.edu>]

Ken,
I don't see the logic that simply. Try this:

Radon causes lung cancer if the LNT causal relationship is real.
Miner radon data suggest the LNT causal relationship may be real.
Some domestic radon data suggest the LNT causal relationship may be real.
Some domestic radon data suggest the LNT causal relationship may not be
real.
If LNT causal relationship is real, it should be evident in a
population-based study.
A population-based study suggests that LNT causal relationship may not be
real.
Perform prospective, cohort study to test if LNT causal relationship is
real.
Prospective study not viable, too expensive.

Of course, issues such as smoking and the long, long list of potential
confounding factors, are not addressed, which adds to the complexity of the
logic.
Tom


Ken Mossman wrote:
> 
> Cohen states  that "LNT is a special case of a causal relationship." I do
> not understand this statement. There is no "special case." LNT IS
> unconditionally a causal relationship. It is no more or no less a causal
> relationship than a curvilinear dose-response, or threshold dose-response,
> etc.
> 
> Whether one is referring to a dose-response for individuals or a dose
> response for a group of individuals has no bearing on the fact that LNT is a
> causal relationship.
> 
> My logic is quite simple and straight forward:
> 
> 1.      LNT is a causal relationship.
> 2.      Cohen's data does not test for a causal relationship (in order to
> avoid the ecological fallacy).
> 3.      Therefore, Cohen's data does not test LNT.
> 
> Kenneth L. Mossman
> Professor of Health Physics
> Director, Office of Radiation Safety
> Arizona State University
> Tempe, AZ 85287-3501
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Thomas Mohaupt, M.S., CHP
University Radiation Safety Officer

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