Re: Deaths from fossil fuel burning air pollution

["Otto G. Raabe" <ograabe@ucdavis.edu>]

November 20, 2000
Davis, CA

One big problem with the epidemiological studies of acute mortality and
morbidity it that it is not clear that the people who are dying or sick
actually inhaled the pollution that was measured. In fact, it is unlikely
that the sick and infirm who are most affected and probably indoors are
actually inhaling the measured particulate matter concentrations which are
determined at some distant outdoor location.

Epidemiological studies can show a mathematical association that may be
related to causation, but may be related to some unknown confounding
relationships. Epidemiology cannot prove causation, but it can certainly
suggest it. When observed changes in rates are small (less than 20%
change), most toxicologists are cautious about accepting causation without
independent supporting information.

Otto 
**********************************************
Prof. Otto G. Raabe, Ph.D., CHP
Institute of Toxicology & Environmental Health
(Street Address: Bldg. 3792, Old Davis Road) 
University of California, Davis, CA 95616
E-Mail: ograabe@ucdavis.edu
Phone: (530) 752-7754   FAX: (530) 758-6140
***********************************************
************************************************************************
The RADSAFE Frequently Asked Questions list, archives and subscription
information can be accessed at http://www.ehs.uiuc.edu/~rad/radsafe.html