News Obama to be told dirt is cancerous

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The discussion highlights that while two-thirds of cancer cases are linked to lifestyle choices, significant contributions also come from environmental factors like pollution, radon exposure, and medical imaging. A panel suggests caution regarding cell phone use due to uncertain risks, recommending the use of headsets and quick calls. However, there is contention over the claim that the environmental impact on cancer rates has been underestimated, with some arguing it reflects a minority view in a long-standing scientific debate. The conversation also touches on radon, a naturally occurring gas from uranium decay, emphasizing its role in lung cancer, particularly in poorly ventilated homes. Concerns are raised about the overuse of medical imaging, especially in children, suggesting a need for more careful risk assessment in medical practices.
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Although as many as two-thirds of cancer cases are caused by lifestyle choices like smoking, poor diet and lack of exercise, the panel said many avoidable cancers were also caused by pollution, radon from the soil and medical imaging scans.

Since so little is known about the possible risks of cell phones, people would be prudent to wear headsets and make calls quickly, the two members of the panel advised.

..."For example, its conclusion that 'the true burden of environmentally (pollution) induced cancer has been grossly underestimated' does not represent scientific consensus. Rather, it reflects one side of a scientific debate that has continued for almost 30 years."

A new way of viewing the cancer debate or ... crackpottery?
 
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Source?
 
I'm not really clear on what your question is. The title of the thread refers to radon, which is a quite mainstream issue. The cell phone thing is crackpottery combined with a misunderstanding of the concept of risk analysis.

Neither of these issues is "new" and I'm not sure what debate you are referring to.

And the source most certainly is relevant. Not just so we know who'se words we're reading but also so we can read the rest of the article and get more context and explanations. Your OP was so vague it is tough to know what the heck you're talking about without reading the article!
 
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russ_watters said:
And the source most certainly is relevant. Not just so we know who'se words we're reading but also so we can read the rest of the article and get more context and explanations. Your OP was so vague it is tough to know what the heck you're talking about without reading the article!

I was joking around :biggrin: . I certainly am interested in seeing what peoples opinions are on this though. A two person panel that reports directly to the President who seem to believe that cell phones cause cancer? What exactly is the science behind radon contamination in soil? That is, is it naturally occurring or is it man-made? Is it prudent to scare people into thinking twice about getting medical procedures that require some form of exposure to radiation? Sounds a little over the top to me...
 
Pengwuino said:
What exactly is the science behind radon contamination in soil? That is, is it naturally occurring or is it man-made?
Uranium makes Radon, Radon is a particularly effective way of causing lung cancer.
The source is natural.
The problem - people living in airtight boxes built on granite - is man made.
The solution is also easy, fitting a $10 ventilation fan in your basement is a lot more cost effective than campaigns to ban second hand smoke that give you 1:30,000 increased chance of lung cancer.

Is it prudent to scare people into thinking twice about getting medical procedures that require some form of exposure to radiation? Sounds a little over the top to me...
Doctors need to start thinking about the risk of CAT scans (equal to 200-300 regular x-rays) before automatically ordering them just as a CYA exercise or because the insurance is paying for them.
Especially in children, ordering a head CT for every kid that fell off a skateboard 'just in case' isn't risk free.
 
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It's important to note that radon is a gas produced from the decay of naturally occurring uranium. So, while it comes from soil, it is not typically thought of as a component of dirt. So, saying radon causes cancer (which it does) is not the same as saying dirt causes cancer.

Because radon is a radioactive gas, it is particularly effective at causing lung cancer.
 
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