Writer attacks value of Tennessean' series

                  By John Shiffman / Tennessean Staff Writer

                 " ...
                 Sutherland said the point of the series was to show that
                 while a great number of people exhibited disturbing signs of
                  illness at and near plants across the country, no one had
                  taken a comprehensive look at the problem.

                  "Of course, this wasn't a scientific study," Sutherland said.
                  "If somebody had done a scientific study, we wouldn't have
                  had to do the story.

                  "There's no way for The Tennessean to use science in this
                  story because no science has been done on this topic,"
                  Sutherland said. "So he wants us to ignore the story? Well,
                  there's a bunch of sick people out there who need some
                  help."
                 ..... "

The Nashville Tennessean should do its homework. Contrary to what Mr. Sutherland says, there have been numerous studies the effects of the workplace materials and radiation on the workers. One would expect the workplace to result in greater exposures than occurs at residences several miles away. Only one of these studies has shown an effect and this was marginal. Most epidemiologists (See Taube, Gary; Special News Report - Epidemiology Faces Its Limits;  Science, Vol 269, 1995/7/14, p.164) regard single, marginal results as non-conclusive.  In addition to the formal studies, there are numerous reports on the levels (mostly at or near background)  of contaminants on and near the Oak Ridge Reservation including an annual Site Environmental Report.  


Dr. Moore of the Tennessee Department of Health (Nashville) is conducting a review of the existing studies and data.  I feel sure that he would be glad to share his conclusions with the Tennessean if they care to see them. If the Tennessean can not wait that long, there is always the time honored method: Read the literature.

Or you might try SPOT (Statistical Profiling of Tennessee; http://funnelweb.utcc.utk.edu/~chrg/hit/main/SPOT/frames/SPOT/nfindex.htm).  Please do not panic when you find the asthma mortality rate for 1994-96 in Davidson County is TEN times that of Anderson County.  Nor when you see that the total mortality rate in 1996 for Davidson County is greater than Anderson; some years you won.

A. A. Brooks