Re: LNT theories - Which model??

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

December 10, 1999
Davis, CA

This is my answer to Dr. Field's question: Which LNT model did Cohen test?

In his initial paper (Health Phys. 68:157-174, 1995), Prof. Cohen uses a
basic linear (LNT) model which in its simplest conceptual form can be
written as m = A + Br where m is the age adjusted lung cancer mortality
rate by U.S. county, r is the mean radon level in homes in these counties
(pCi/L), and A and B are controlling parameters. The parameter A relates to
normalization of the position of the line and the slope B provides a rate
increase (principally 7.5%) per pCi/L radon concentration. The paper
discusses the basis of this model as being BEIR IV, and various forms are
derived. Other possible slopes were considered, but it is apparent that no
positive slope for this relationship is supported by the data.

Otto

		*****************************************************
		Prof. Otto G. Raabe, Ph.D., CHP
              Institute of Toxicology & Environmental Health (ITEH)
		   (Street address: Building 3792, Old Davis Road)
		University of California, Davis, CA 95616
		Phone: 530-752-7754  FAX: 530-758-6140
		E-mail ograabe@ucdavis.edu
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