A report released at the end of 1996 by the US National Research Council, Possible Health Effects of Exposure to Residential Electric and Magnetic Fields, Washington, DC: National Academy Press; 1996 (US$45), says, there remains unexplained a "weak but statistically significant" association between high levels of exposure to EMF and childhood leukemia--the observation made 20 years ago that triggered public concern over the issue (Am J Epidemiol. 1979; 1209: 273-284); Science 274 (1996), 910. The committee reviewed more than 500 reports of exposure to EMF; these reports investigated both electric fields, which are produced by any electrically charged particle, and magnetic fields, which occur when electrically charged particles are moving. The committee evaluated the epidemiologic evidence, experimental animal data, and in vitro data contained in the reports. "Over the years, a number of epidemiologists have found that children who live near concentrations of electric power lines are about 1.5 times more likely to contract leukemia [than those who live elsewhere]. The council report states that animal and laboratory studies of cells and tissues showed no discernible effects from exposure to EMF at intensities similar to those found in homes (50 Hz to 60 Hz). Only at extremely high field intensities, thousands of times higher than those found in homes, do cells react. In the USA, a major program of EMF investigations called Research and Public Information Dissemination (RAPID) is currently under way. It has about $65 million in funding from the US Department of Energy, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, and industry.

Claims of health foods need to be backed up by more data than in the past in several countries, in efforts to improve the way food is advertised, NS (2 Nov 1996), 12-3. Milk from cows fed on a diet enriched with corn oil could help people against cancer, NS (16 Nov 1996), 8, by boosting conjugated linoleic acid. A study of US public found that public health encouragements to alter diet to prevent cancer can work, AJPH 86 (1996), 1394-400; and lifestyle change may prevent cancer, Lancet 348 (1996), 1436. Japanese-American men in Hawaii who continue a Japanese style of life have decreased diabetes, Lancet 348 (1996), 1020. A survey of the number of food adverts on TV found Australia and the US were the highest, NS (30 Nov 1996), 8.

In a study of the marketing approval dates of 214 drugs introduced into the world market from Jan 1990 through Dec 1994, the US and the UK have similar patterns of drug availability, but the US has a number of therapies with significant public health benefits that are not yet available in the UK; David A. Kessler, et al. "Approval of New Drugs in the United States: Comparison With the United Kingdom, Germany, and Japan ",JAMA 276 (1996), 1826-31. The findings also show that the US approves drugs faster than Germany and Japan. Globalisation of food is leading to calls for international studies of foodborne illness, BMJ 313 (1996), 1093-4.

The US National Rifle Association may have been successful in stopping funding for the Centers for Disease Control research on the effects of guns on violence, Lancet 348 (1996), 1025. Efforts to ban boxing in the UK by the BMA are still to bring about a ban, BMJ 313 (1996), 1168. On dementia and driving, Lancet 348 (1996), 1114. A review of lessons from Kobe and open emergency communications is Science 273 (1996), 739-40.

A report from Health Council of the Netherlands, Marihuana as Medicine (1996, 21E) concludes that there is insufficient scientific evidence to warrant legalizing the use of marihuana as medicine, due to its side effects and alternatives. However there is debate in the USA still, Science 275 (1997), 485; NEJM 336 (1997), 366-7; BMJ 314 (1997), 92. A survey of illicit drug use in the USA by persons with disabilities is AJPH 86 (1996), 1613-5. On reassessment of thalidomide, NatMed 3 (1997), 8. A discussion of former FDA commissioner David Kessler is NatMed 3 (1997), 6-7; NatBio 15 (1997), 9.

Lead exposure may be linked to tooth decay, NS (18 Jan, 1997), 5. The potency of estrogenic pesticides is reviewed in Science 275 (1997), 405-6. Determination of platinum is described in EST 31 (1997), 309+. Canada and France differ on dangers of asbestos, Nature 385 (1997), 379.

A review of drug therapy is Landry, DW "Immunotherapy for cocaine addiction", SA (1997), 28-30. There are common neural substrates for the addictive properties of nicotine and cocaine, Science 275 (1997), 83-5. The matching of alcoholics with particular treatments is recommended in Science 275 (1997), 35. Alcohol-impaired driving was reported by 2.5% of US drivers in 1993, JAMA 277 (1997), 122-5. Moderate alcohol consumption has improved life expectancy in middle-aged Chinese men, BMJ 314 (1997), 18-23. It did not matter what type. Hangovers may be due to methanol, not ethanol, BMJ 314 (1997), 2-3. On alcohol and health, BMJ 314 (1997), 414-8, 420-4, 441.

Smoking, Kessler, DA. et al. " The Legal and Scientific Basis for FDA's Assertion of Jurisdiction Over cigarettes and Smokeless Tobacco", JAMA 277 (1997), 405-9. The FDA concluded that cigarettes and smokeless tobacco are subject to FDA jurisdiction because they contain a "drug," nicotine, and a "device" for delivering this drug to the body. On FDA Regulation of Tobacco Advertising and Youth Smoking, JAMA 277 (1997), 410-418. The use of tobacco by Indians in Northern Canada is high, CMAJ 156 (1997), 345-6. Also on smoking in Canada, CMAJ 156 (1997), 237-48; NatMed 3 (1997), 9. On litigation, Annas, GJ. "Tobacco litigation as cancer prevention: dealing with the devil", NEJM 334 (1997), 304-8. A lawsuit has begun in France, Newsweek (13 Jan 1997), 33; BMJ 314 (1997), 93. Brain monoamine oxidase is inhibited in smokers, PNAS 93 (1996), 14065-9. Nurses can help patients stop smoking, AJPH 86 (1996), 1557-60. Hong Kong University has declined tobacco money, BMJ 314 (1997), 169.

The reasons for a recent decline in mortality from coronary heart disease in the USA, 1980-1990, are reported in JAMA 277 (1997), 535-542. On the use of education as an indicator of socioeconomic position, AJPH 86 (1996), 1525-6. A survey of the costs of adverse drug events in hospitalized patients in the USA is JAMA 277 (1997), 307-11.

The USA and Russia are to study radiation effects on health, Science 275 (1997), 1062. Book reviews are in BMJ 314 (1997), 82-3. Chernobyl may not be shut down due to costs, NS (1 Feb), 18; (5 Feb, 1997), 4. On health near nuclear reprocessing plants, BMJ 314 (1997), 36-7, 101-6; NS (15 Feb, 1997), 3; (22 Feb), 5. Nuclear waste disposal (also see Environment section) is discussed in Nature 385 (1997), 282, 599; NS (11 Jan, 1997), 10.

Infrared imaging spectroscopy can be used to visualization of silicone gel in breast tissue, NatMed 3 (1997), 235-7. A federal judge in Oregon ruled at the end of Dec 1996 that the scientific evidence linking silicone breast implants to autoimmune disorders was too weak for a court case, Science 275 (1997), 21.

Letters calling for cyclists to wear helmets are in BMJ 314 (1997), 69-70. On the dangers of driving in Calcutta, NS (1 Feb. 1997), 51. On gun control, NEJM 336 (1997), 74-5. Car telephones increase the rate of vehicle crashes 4 times, Redelmeier, DA & Tishirani, RK. "Association between cellular telephone calls and motor vehicle collisions", NEJM 336 (1997), 453-8, 501-2.

In general a book review on public health is Nature 385 (1997), 594. Diabetes and hypertension in Britain's ethnic minorities is expected to have increased incidence of renal failure, calling for prevention, BMJ 314 (1997), 290-13. A review of the way parents protect children's health is EST 31 (1997), 63A.

Studies of alcohol consumption and health in the UK are in BMJ 314 (1997), 1159-1168. A possible link between milk and diabetes is being researched in New Zealand, though people are still urged to drink milk, BMJ 314 (1997), 836. Antioxidant state may be linked to heart disease, BMJ 314 (1997), 629-33. Fish consumption decreases death from heart disease, Daviglus, ML. et al. "Fish consumption and the 30 year risk of fatal myocardial infarction", NEJM 336 (1997), 1046-53. There has been a decline in heart attack mortality, JAMA 277 (1997), 535-42. A book review of Vitamania, is NEJM 336 (1997), 1112. A household food inventory is an easy method to measure food intake, AJPH 87 (1997), 272-5. Fruit and vegetables are recommended in FDA Consumer (March 1997), 16-23; JAMA 277 (1997), 871-2. Modest consumption of carbonated beverages does not appear to adversely affect mineral bone density in older women, AJPH 87 (1997), 276-9. High pressure processing is reviewed in NS (12 April 1997), 28-32.

There is debate over the way the EPA assesses the cancer risk from dioxin, EST 31 (1997), 130-1A; and the Californian Dept. of Health has been accused of delaying reports on it, Nature 386 (1997), 102. On methods to assess estrogens, a review is Zacharewski, T. "In vitro bioassays for assessing estrogenic substances", EST 31 (1997), 613-23. An Australian way to preserve grain without pesticides is NS (15 March 1997), 48. Studies of Gulf War syndrome are still being expanded, Lancet 349 (1997), 707, 931.

The cigarette group, Ligget, has admitted that cigarettes cause cancer and nicotine is addictive, and will pay a percentage of its earnings, Newsweek (31 March 1997), 44; Time (31 March 1997), 26-9; NS (29 March 1997), 3: Lancet 349 (1997), 932; JAMA 277 (1997), 751-3. Other tobacco companies are still denying it. On strategies to reduce child smoking, JAMA 277 (1997), 778. Maternal smoking is associated with significant expenses for children7s respiratory infections, AJPH 87 (1997), 205-9. A general explanation is Kessler, DA. et al. "The legal and scientific basis for FDA's assertion of jurisdiction over cigarettes and smokeless tobacco", JAMA 277 (1997), 405-9; and on advertising, Gostin, LO. et al. "FDA regulation of tobacco advertising and youth smoking", JAMA 277 (1997), 410-8. Hostility may affect health, and be related to smoking and alcohol, SSM 44 (1997), 1089-96. On industry sponsored research, Lancet 349 (1997), 588, 778. China has banned smoking on trains and buses, BMJ 314 (1997), 772. On methods to measure smoking, AJPH 87 (1997), 56-61, 108-111.

An NIH panel has concluded more study is needed to assess marijuana in medicine, JAMA 277 (1997), 867-8; Lancet 349 (1997), 624; NS (15 March 1997), 14-5. Letters on cocaine are in JAMA 277 (1997), 457-8. On herbal medicines, Lancet 349 (1997), 812; JAMA 277 (1997), 776. Fluoxetine is a contested drug for mental disorders, Lancet 349 (1997), 888. Drug treatments for dementia also raise ethical problems, BMJ 314 (1997), 693-4. Aspirin has been officially recognized as a preventative agent for heart attacks by the FDA, JAMA 277 (1997), 701. The transfer of drugs to developing countries is discussed in Hogerzeil, HV et al. "Guidelines for drug donations", BMJ 314 (1997), 737-40; and on some cases of false labels causing death, NS (29 March 1997), 16-7.

There have been a series of attempted cover-ups in the nuclear industry in Japan in March and April, which has decreased public confidence in the industry, especially in case of major leaks should they occur, Nature 386 (1997), 209. A tritium leak in the USA has shaken confidence also, Nature 386 (1997), 3; as has cancers from Three Mile accident, Lancet 349 (1997), 625; Environmental Health Perspectives 105 (1997), 52-7; and in the UK, Nature 386 (1997), 423; and in France, BMJ 314 (1997), 846. The US and Russia will study radiation effects together in Mayak, Science 275 (1997), 1062-3. There are numerous problems from the dumping of old nuclear submarines, SA (March 1997), 20-2. On the US nuclear clean-up, EST 31 (1997), 134-7A. A public survey is Feldman, DL & Hanahan, RA. "Public perceptions of a radioactively contaminated site: Concerns, remediation preferences, and desired involvement", Environmental Health Perspectives 104 (1996), 1344-52. A study that did not find association between EMF exposure and brain cancer is Occupational & Environmental Medicine 54 (1997), 7-13.

Breast implants are discussed in NEJM 336 (1997), 677-82, 718-9. Letters on whether bicycle helmets should be voluntary are in JAMA 277 (1997), 883-4; and on brain damage in divers, BMJ 314 (1997), 689-90. Owners of automatic guns in the USA also have a tendency for binge drinking, AJPH 87 (1997), 286-8.

Studies of alcohol consumption and health in the UK are in BMJ 314 (1997), 1159-1168. A possible link between milk and diabetes is being researched in New Zealand, though people are still urged to drink milk, BMJ 314 (1997), 836. Antioxidant state may be linked to heart disease, BMJ 314 (1997), 629-33. Fish consumption decreases death from heart disease, Daviglus, ML. et al. "Fish consumption and the 30 year risk of fatal myocardial infarction", NEJM 336 (1997), 1046-53. There has been a decline in heart attack mortality, JAMA 277 (1997), 535-42. A book review of Vitamania, is NEJM 336 (1997), 1112. A household food inventory is an easy method to measure food intake, AJPH 87 (1997), 272-5. Fruit and vegetables are recommended in FDA Consumer (March 1997), 16-23; JAMA 277 (1997), 871-2. Modest consumption of carbonated beverages does not appear to adversely affect mineral bone density in older women, AJPH 87 (1997), 276-9. High pressure processing is reviewed in NS (12 April 1997), 28-32.

There is debate over the way the EPA assesses the cancer risk from dioxin, EST 31 (1997), 130-1A; and the Californian Dept. of Health has been accused of delaying reports on it, Nature 386 (1997), 102. On methods to assess estrogens, a review is Zacharewski, T. "In vitro bioassays for assessing estrogenic substances", EST 31 (1997), 613-23. An Australian way to preserve grain without pesticides is NS (15 March 1997), 48. Studies of Gulf War syndrome are still being expanded, Lancet 349 (1997), 707, 931.

The cigarette group, Ligget, has admitted that cigarettes cause cancer and nicotine is addictive, and will pay a percentage of its earnings, Newsweek (31 March 1997), 44; Time (31 March 1997), 26-9; NS (29 March 1997), 3: Lancet 349 (1997), 932; JAMA 277 (1997), 751-3. Other tobacco companies are still denying it. On strategies to reduce child smoking, JAMA 277 (1997), 778. Maternal smoking is associated with significant expenses for children7s respiratory infections, AJPH 87 (1997), 205-9. A general explanation is Kessler, DA. et al. "The legal and scientific basis for FDA's assertion of jurisdiction over cigarettes and smokeless tobacco", JAMA 277 (1997), 405-9; and on advertising, Gostin, LO. et al. "FDA regulation of tobacco advertising and youth smoking", JAMA 277 (1997), 410-8. Hostility may affect health, and be related to smoking and alcohol, SSM 44 (1997), 1089-96. On industry sponsored research, Lancet 349 (1997), 588, 778. China has banned smoking on trains and buses, BMJ 314 (1997), 772. On methods to measure smoking, AJPH 87 (1997), 56-61, 108-111.

An NIH panel has concluded more study is needed to assess marijuana in medicine, JAMA 277 (1997), 867-8; Lancet 349 (1997), 624; NS (15 March 1997), 14-5. Letters on cocaine are in JAMA 277 (1997), 457-8. On herbal medicines, Lancet 349 (1997), 812; JAMA 277 (1997), 776. Fluoxetine is a contested drug for mental disorders, Lancet 349 (1997), 888. Drug treatments for dementia also raise ethical problems, BMJ 314 (1997), 693-4. Aspirin has been officially recognized as a preventative agent for heart attacks by the FDA, JAMA 277 (1997), 701. The transfer of drugs to developing countries is discussed in Hogerzeil, HV et al. "Guidelines for drug donations", BMJ 314 (1997), 737-40; and on some cases of false labels causing death, NS (29 March 1997), 16-7.

There have been a series of attempted cover-ups in the nuclear industry in Japan in March and April, which has decreased public confidence in the industry, especially in case of major leaks should they occur, Nature 386 (1997), 209. A tritium leak in the USA has shaken confidence also, Nature 386 (1997), 3; as has cancers from Three Mile accident, Lancet 349 (1997), 625; Environmental Health Perspectives 105 (1997), 52-7; and in the UK, Nature 386 (1997), 423; and in France, BMJ 314 (1997), 846. The US and Russia will study radiation effects together in Mayak, Science 275 (1997), 1062-3. There are numerous problems from the dumping of old nuclear submarines, SA (March 1997), 20-2. On the US nuclear clean-up, EST 31 (1997), 134-7A. A public survey is Feldman, DL & Hanahan, RA. "Public perceptions of a radioactively contaminated site: Concerns, remediation preferences, and desired involvement", Environmental Health Perspectives 104 (1996), 1344-52. A study that did not find association between EMF exposure and brain cancer is Occupational & Environmental Medicine 54 (1997), 7-13.

Breast implants are discussed in NEJM 336 (1997), 677-82, 718-9. Letters on whether bicycle helmets should be voluntary are in JAMA 277 (1997), 883-4; and on brain damage in divers, BMJ 314 (1997), 689-90. Owners of automatic guns in the USA also have a tendency for binge drinking, AJPH 87 (1997), 286-8.

A commentary asking how to stop ethical shortcuts in drug trials in developing countries is NS (17 May 1997), 14-5. Japan is also reviewing drug trials, Lancet 349 (1997), 1007. In general on drug validation, GEN (1 June 1997), 1, 14. Medical marijuana is debated in NEJM 336 (1997), 1184-7; AJPH 87 (1997), 585-90. The use of natural mood boosters from the plant Saint Johnswort, Hypericum perforatum, has been increasing; Newsweek (5 May 1997), 58-9. Germany is producing many of Europe's herbal medicines, GEN (15 April 1997), 14, 29.

A study has shown that aspirin benefits stroke patients, though with a small total impact, Lancet 349 (1997), 1563-5, 1569-81, 1641-9; BMJ 314 (1997), 1646. Adverse outcome may be linked to low cholesterol concentration, BMJ 314 (1997), 1584-8.

On 25 April a US Federal judge ruled that the FDA could regulate tobacco, Lancet 349 (1997), 1305. Tobacco companies in the USA may pay US$386 billion as a lawsuit settlement in return for immunity from future prosecution, BMJ 314 (1997), 1217; Newsweek (28 April, 1997), 46-53. A US map showing 1975-1994 deaths by lung cancer in males shows where the tobacco states are, SA (June 1997), 28. Israel plans to sue tobacco companies, BMJ 314 (1997), 1711. On litigation, NEJM 336 (1997), 1832-3. On prevention methods, BMJ 314 (1997), 1371-5. The UK plans to ban advertising, BMJ 314 (1997), 1502. Canada is debating its smoking law proposals, BMJ 314 (1997), 1222; and a book review, JAMA 277 (1997), 1651-2. Romania plans tough laws, BMJ 314 (1997), 1506. The tobacco industry is turning more to developing countries to sell tobacco, NatMed 3 (1997), 594-5. Vietnam has the highest male smoking rate reported in the world, 73% (4% in women), JAMA 277 (1997), 1726-31; BMJ 314 (1997), 1644. WHO wants governments to stop people smoking, BMJ 314 (1997), 1688.

Passive smoking doubles the risk of heart disease, in a US study of 32046 healthy non-smoking women, Circulation 95 (1997), 2374-9; BMJ 314 (1997), 1572; Lancet 349 (1997), 1606. A California study has also been released, JAMA 277 (1997), 1026-7. A memo listing the types of scientists that the tobacco industry buys to support its claim has been found, BMJ 314 (1997), 1569. On funding by tobacco industry, BMJ 314 (1997), 1350-1. The early use of alcohol and tobacco is associated with increase risk taking later in life, AJPH 87 (1997), 359-64. In Japan a survey of 34,000 people found 55% of men, and 13% of women smoke, but 18% of women in 20-30s.

A paper on the excess mortality of air pollution showing consistency across Europe is Katsouyanni, K. et al. "Short term effects of ambient sulphur dioxide and particulate matter on mortality in 12 European cities: Results from time series data from the APHEA project", BMJ 314 (1997), 1658-63. Asthma is one of the diseases, JAMA 277 (1997), 1503-4; and it can also be caused by occupation, Lancet 349 (1997), 1465-9; and indoor allergens like cockroaches, NEJM 336 (1997), 1382-4. Also on asthma, BMJ 314 (1997), 1427-8; Science 276 (1997), 1327. A review of asbestosis and silicosis is Lancet 349 (1997), 1311-5.

The ideal body weight is below the average in terms of survival and quality of life, BMJ 314 (1997), 1291-2. On 14 May the drug Xenical from Hoffman-La Roche received unanimous approval from an FDA committee for use as an antiobesity pill, Lancet 349 (1997), 1529. Another pill that increases metabolism, and mimics adrenaline is being developed, NS (26 April 1997), 11. However drugs should come after diet fails, BMJ 314 (1997), 1643; Lancet 349 (1997), 1374; AJPH 87 (1997), 541-3. On treatment for hypercholesterolemia, JAMA 277 (1997), 1320-1, 1281; JAMA 277 (1997), 1281-6. On obesity research, Nature 387 (1997), 27-8; also a review of company research on the subject is available in a report, <http://www.ibcusa.com/pub/obesity>

A low fat diet can lower blood pressure, Science 276 (1997), 350. Antioxidants are being tested for affects upon heart disease, Lancet 349 (1997), 1710-1; and on dementia, Lancet 349 (1997), 1189. Cooler houses, less activity outdoors and fewer clothes increases risk of heart disease in Europe, Lancet 349 (1997), 1337, 1341-6. The use of defibrillators on Qantas airlines has led to adoption by some other airlines including American Airlines, following the release of figures showing increasing death rates on planes, NS (4 June 1997), 4; Lancet 349 (1997), 1008. On variations in US black and white deaths from cardiovascular disease, NEJM 336 (1997), 1321-2; AJPH 87 (1997), 635-42. Mental stress can trigger myocardial ischemia, JAMA 277 (1997), 1558-9, 1521-6. Cocaine may only have acute effects not broad, AJPH 87 (1997), 629-34.

Activity reduces risk of breast cancer, Thune, I. et al. "Physical activity and the risk of breast cancer", NEJM 336 (1997), 1269-75, 1311-2. Postmenopausal women have lower mortality with more physical activity, JAMA 277 (1997), 1287-92. There is dispute over how much and what type of exercise reduces risk of heart attack, Science 276 (1997), 1324-7. Green tea may prevent cancer due to particular compounds called UPA inhibitors, Nature 387 (1997), 561.

A study of the diseases that we are most likely to die from in 2020 is reviewed in Lancet 349 (1997), 1263; and papers from the Global Burden of Disease Study on mortality, disability, risk factors, life expectancy, include Lancet 349 (1997), 1269-76, 1347-52, 1436-42, 1498-1504. On public health, JAMA 277 (1997), 1579.

Nutrient supplements may improve immunity in elderly persons, Meydani, SN. et al. "Vitamin E supplementation and in vivo immune response in healthy elderly subjects. A randomized controlled trial", JAMA 277 (1997), 1380-6, 1398-9. The persons consumed 200mg/day with no ill effects. A book review of Apple, RD. Vitamania: Vitamins in American Culture, is JAMA 277 (1997), 1247. The effects of religion on people's health is positive in an Israeli study, Kark, JD. et al. "Psychosocial factors among members of religious and secular kibbutzim", Isr. J. Med. Sci. 32 (1996), 185-94.

A genetic response to radiation is Baskaran, R. et al. "Ataxia telangiectasia mutant protein activates c-Abl tyrosine kinase in response to ionizing radiation", Nature 387 (1997), 516-9; also pp. 520-3. On infant leukemia after Chernobyl, Nature 387 (1997), 246. The UK has decided not to build an underground nuclear waste repository, NS (19 April 1997), 5. Leukemia has been reported around La Hague reprocessing plant in France, but questions are being raised, BMJ 314 (1997), 1553-5; Lancet 349 (1997), 969-70, 1473-9. Japan is also having problems, Nature 387 (1997), 219, 838-9. Radioactivity from Sellafield in the UK has spread around the Arctic, and the iodine is an order of magnitude higher than the signature from the earlier open air atomic bomb tests, NS (10 May 1997), 14. The US NRC has supported open access to test-ban data, Nature 388 (1997), 107.

An Australian study found twice as many immune cell cancers when exposed to levels of EMF similar to cellphone use, Radiation Research 147 (1997), 631; NS (10 May 1997), 4. Cellphones generally do not interfere with pacemakers, NEJM 336 (1997), 1518-9. A Dutch study has been completed on cell phone dangers and it recommends limits for exposure to EMFs, Network 11 (April 1997), 7-11. The US DOE has stopped its research into health effects of EMF radiation from 1998, Science 276 (1997), 1867; and a US study finds no statistical evidence of health effects from power lines, NEJM 336 (4 July 1997).

The presence of pollution appears to be of similar weight to poverty on leading people into crime, NS (31 May 1997), 4. Pesticide poisonings are discussed in Lancet 349 (1997), 1161-6. The impacts of war on society are discussed in Lancet 349 (1997), 1568; JAMA 277 (1997), 1479-80. Children abuse can continue to exert as strong an influence as current abuse, JAMA 277 (1997), 1362-8. On violence, JAMA 277 (1997), 1391-7, 1400-1, 1641-2. Some data suggests males should live longer than females and pursuit of sex shortens their life, NS (24 May 1997), 19.

A call for scientific activism following experience with silicone breast implants is Science 276 (1997), 1524-5; and on differences between women, JAMA 277 (1997), 1643-4, 1612-7. Letters on the diseases caused are Lancet 349 (1997), 1170-3.

A paper calling for greater public discussion of enhancement ethics is Whitehouse, PJ. et al. "Enhancing cognition in the intellectually intact", HCR 27 (1997), 14-22. There are already some drugs available which enhance intellect, and we can expect more in the future. A weekend dose of Ecstasy drug can leave forgetfulness and poor concentration, NS (21 June 1997), 3, 4. The FDA is investigating a slimmer's drug, Redux, NS (28 June 1997), 10; Time (21 July 1997), 35. There is an long term history of drug use in the USA, JAMA 277 (1997), 1919-21; NEJM 337 (1997), 57-9. On cosmetic surgery, J. Health Politics, Policy & Law 22 (1997), 245-51. Dow Corning has raised its settlement offer for implant damages (Detroit, 26 August, 1997, Reuters News).

On the ethics of public health, Mann, JM. "Medicine and public health, ethics and human rights", HCR 27 (1997), 6-13; JAMA 277 (1997), 1894-5; and the ethics of epidemiology, Weed, DL. "Underdetermination and incommensurability in contemporary epidemiology", KIEJ 7 (1997), 107-28; Tancredi L, ed. Ethical Issues in Epidemiologic Research. New Brunswick: Rutgers UP, 1986; J. Clinical Epidemiology 44 (1991), Supplement I.; Coughlin S, ed. Ethics in Epidemiology and Clinical Research, Newton, Mass.: Epidemiology Resources, Inc., 1995. Coughlin S, et al. Case Studies in Public Health Ethics Washington, DC: American Public Health Association, in press. A review of preventive health services in Europe is Int. J. Health Services 27 (1997), 247-71.

There is debate about how much pharmaceutical companies should warn users about the dangers of mixed use, NS (12 July 1997), 20-1. In Japan 39 patients out of 5430 have died as a result of side effects of the anti-cancer drug irinotecan hydrochloride since release in April, 1994; Lancet 350 (1997), 124. On drug treatment guidelines and limits, Lancet 350 (1997), 155, 232-3; JAMA 278 (1997), 179-85. On herbal medicine in China, BMJ 315 (1997), 115-7. The use of home blood pressure control in Japan is reported in Lancet 350 (1997), 290-1. US seeds were suspected in radish shoot cases of E.coli O157 outbreaks in Japan, NatMed 3 (1997), 705-6.

There are still some doubts over whether the US$369 billion deal with 5 major US tobacco companies to pay for health damages caused through tobacco addiction will be the last, NS (28 June 1997), 7; BMJ 314 (1997), 1849; Lancet 349 (1997), 1894; 350 (1997), 1; AJPH 87 (1997), 906-8; NatMed 3 (1997), 712-3. The AMA said it was not enough. On changing public attitudes to smoking, AJPH 87 (1997), 910-2. In Hong Kong record number of smokers have stopped in 1996 and 1997, CMAJ 156 (1997), 1441-5; and they have banned tobacco advertising, BMJ 315 (1997), 8. The Philippines fear that they will be targeted by the US tobacco industry, Lancet 350 (1997), 126; as are other Asian countries, BMJ 315 (1997), 209. Pipe and cigar smokers have greater risk of lung cancer than life-long non-smokers, BMJ 314 (1997), 1860-3. On the method of addiction, NS (5 July 1997), 4; Nursing Research 46 (1997), 155+; JAMA 278 (1997), 339-40. Marijuana may be harder than thought, Science 276 (1997), 1967-8.

Fresh fruits increase lung function in children, Lancet 350 (1997), 120; Thorax 52 (1997), 826-33; and increase the levels of compounds in the blood which reduce cancer risk, BMJ 314 (1997), 1787-91. Vitamin E is particular useful for diabetics, BMJ 314 (1997), 1845-6. Food advertisers will have to avoid saying foods are cures for diseases, according to the FDA, NS (5 July 1997), 15. Higher milk consumption may not protect again bone fractures, AJPH 87 (1997), 992-7. On the dangers to health from herbal teas, FDA Consumer (July-Aug 1997), 6-11. Alcohol consumption appears to delay the onset of menopause, BMJ 315 (1997), 188; but there are class differences in alcohol related mortality, BMJ 315 (1997), 211-6; and heavy consumption is thought to be related to decreased life expectancy in Eastern Europe, J. Health & Social Behavior 38 (1997), 117-30. On the dangers of being overweight throughout different periods of life, BMJ 3145 (1997), 1791-4. Obesity is related to genes in humans as well as mice, NS (28 June 1997), 7. On the relationship between medical genetics and public health, with the change in paradigm of disease prevention, AJMG 71 (1997), 289-91.

An international committee has confirmed a leak between a reprocessing plant at la Hague and increased leukemia, BMJ 314 (1997), 1854. In Japan some drums of radioactive waste have corroded after 30 years storage at Tokai storage facility causing further embarrassment to the authorities, Japan Times (27 August 1997), 1. Arctic people still consume radioactive foods from atomic bomb test residues, NS (21 June 1997), 11. On disposal of plutonium, NS (21 June 1997), 5. On the risks of low level radiation from radon, PNAS 94 (1997), 5996-7. EMF and health risks are debated in Science 277 (1997), 29; Occupational and Environmental Medicine 54 (1997), 396-402; NEJM 337 (1997), 1-7, 44-6. ES cell lines with increased sensitivity that can be used for research are reported in PNAS 94 (1997), 8076-81. Cellular telephones do present risks of traffic accident, NEJM 337 (1997), 127-9.

A conference report on reducing the risks of UV exposure, is CMAJ 157 (1997), 175-7; Chronic Diseases in Canada 18(1, 1997) (see also environment section above). On the dangers of working too long, Occupational & Environmental Medicine 54 (1997), 367-75; Am. J. Occup. Env. Med. (1997), 556+. A review of industrial disease is Lancet 350 (1997), 226. The difficulties of measuring lifestyle by questionnaire are discussed in J. Public Health Med. 19 (1997), 203-7, 219-21.

A call for South-North research collaborations to study pesticides is in Wesseling C. et al. "Agricultural pesticide use in developing countries: health effects and research needs", Int. J. Health Sciences 27 (1997), 273-308. Pesticides are linked with a fish sex imbalance in the USA, EST 31 (1997), 3123A. On dioxin in foods, Lancet 350 (1997), 267. The range of chemical substances in human society from perfumes and other materials is often linked to disease, NS (21 June 1997), 30-5. Dicophane (DDE) does not appear to increase breast cancer in European women, BMJ 315 (1997), 81-5. On biomarkers (see also Environment section), EST 31 (1997), 1837-48. A scientist died after methyl mercury was absorbed through latex gloves in a spill, while using as a standard, Science 276 (1997), 1797. The powder from surgeons gloves may cause illness, NS (5 July 1997), 5.

Rubber or woodchip surfaces in children's playground decrease injuries, Lancet 349 (1997), 1874-6. Calls to decrease weapons sales are in NS (5 July 1997), 18-9; Lancet 350 (1997), 63; BMJ 315 (1997), 72, 135. Guns are linked to violence, AJPH 87 (1997), 899-900, 918-21, 974-8. Brief periods of exposure to benzodiazepines are associated with increased risk of motor vehicle crashes in the elderly, JAMA 278 (1997), 27-31, 66-7. On the psychology of the Aum cult violence in Japan, JAMA 278 (1997), 191-3.

A study found doctor's expectations of what the patient's wanted was the strongest determinant of prescribing in a UK study, BMJ 315 (1997), 520-3. On Spanish drug policy, being the 7th largest drug market in the world, Lancet 350 (1997), 679-80. WHO drug control is debated in Lancet 350 (1997), 601. On US FDA reform, JAMA 278 (1997), 459; BMJ 315 (1997), 447. The AMA has started to endorse some products, BMJ 315 (1997), 445. A call for more research on medical marijuana has been made by a NIH panel, JAMA 278 (1997), 802; NEJM 337 (1997), 435-9; whereas Dutch coffee shops are providing it at cost price, BMJ 315 (1997), 504. A study showing advantages of direct reporting by hospital pharmacists on adverse drug reactions is BMJ 315 (1997), 519. On the growing desire for alternative medicines and homeopathy, NS (27 Sept. 1997), 3; NatMed 3 (1997), 824-7; Nature 388 (1997), 842. Thalidomide will be licensed as a leprosy treatment, BMJ 315 (1997), 699; and it is probably not a mutagen so those affected can have children without so much fear, Nature 389 (1997), 118.

On health promotion and public health, BMJ 315 (1997), 361-3, 694-5. On false diagnosis, NS (27 Sept. 1997), 38-41. The Swedish Institute for Health Service Development, Spri, has been set up to strengthen position of patients in research and form better priority of projects; contact Spri, Box 70487, S-107 26 Stockholm, Sweden. A study of affects of commuting on health in Japan is Lancet 350 (1997), 639. The personality trait of submissiveness may be associated with less heart attacks, Whiteman, MC et al. "Submissiveness and protection from coronary heart disease in the general population: Edinburgh Artery Study", Lancet 350 (1997), 541-5. A comparison of 27 variable for heart disease is in BMJ 315 (1997), 722-9; and on fish, NEJM 337 (1997), 497-9.

A rat that grows 1.4kg as a model of obesity has been made in India, NatMed 3 (1997), 823. A call for a more ecological approach to the obesity pandemic is made in BMJ 315 (1997), 477-80; and also on obesity, Lancet 350 (1997), 423-6; NEJM 337 (1997), 869-73, 926-7. There are many diet pills, NEJM 337 (1997), 629-30. On diet and health: BMJ 315 (1997), 404-5; NEJM 337 (1997), 562-7; antioxidants, Lancet 350 (1997), 667-8; vitamin B6, Nature 389 (1997), 7; herbal tea dangers, FDA Consumer (July/Aug. 1997), 6-11. The addition of vitamin B1 to wheat is debated in NS (13 Sept. 1997), 54. Predatory trout grow faster in the presence of a competitor, NS (30 Aug. 1997), 8. Iodine supplements increased infant health in China, Lancet 350 (1997), 771-3.

Calcium supplements has a mild positive effect on bone fractures and bone loss in elderly patients, NEJM 337 (1997), 670-6. There does not seem to be much affect on bone loss during breast feeding, NEJM 337 (1997), 523-8, 558-9. Other diet elements may also have some effect, NEJM 337 (1997), 701-2. Letters on breast implants are in JAMA 278 (1997), 818-9; Lancet 350 (1997), 648, 740-1.

Reports from the tobacco conference held in China, the world's largest consumer and producer of tobacco are BMJ 315 (1997), 440-1, 448, 502, 565. Also on ethics and tobacco, Siegel, M. et al. "Preemption in tobacco control. Review of an emerging public health problem", JAMA 278 (1997), 858-63. IDHL 48 (1997), 250-2. There are still debates over the US tobacco compensation deal for US$368 billion over 25 years, NatMed 3 (1997), 81; BMJ 315 (1997), 564; Lancet 350 (1997), 303. The US has banned smoking on federal property, BMJ 315 (1997), 384; Lancet 350 (1997), 571; but in Australia bans are not always working, Lancet 350 (1997), 721. On efforts to ban advertising of tobacco, BMJ 315 (1997), 439-40. Taxes from tobacco will be increased to give money to diabetes research and screening, NatMed 3 (1997), 939. There is much debate however over decisions to stop tobacco companies funding research, Science 277 (1997), 755. Molecular studies can identify which mutations are caused by which chemicals, NS (2 Aug. 1997), 20. The substances are also seen in second hand smoke, like NNK, NS (20 Sept. 1997), 13. A study of the race concept in US use within smoking studies is SSM 45 (1997), 1075-87. Exercise studies can identify persons at highest risk of heart attack due to smoking, Lancet 350 (1997), 495. Africa may be the next target of US/European companies, Lancet 350 (1997), 792.

An environmental genome project is planned to resequence genes implicated in environmental carcinogenesis by the US National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS, Research Triangle Park, NC). The Environmental Genome Project (EGP) will attempt to build "the capacity for correlating individual genetic differences with exposure outcomes so that exposure-disease relationships can be more precisely addressed," says Sam Wilson, deputy director of NIEHS. Nature Biotechnology 15 (1997), 939.

Water fluoridation is associated with dental hygiene benefits more in poor areas than wealthy ones, BMJ 315 (1997), 514-7. Maternal lead ingestion increases caries in rats, NatMed 3 (1997), 956. Lead levels in USA are dropping, EST 31(1997), 424-9A. On marijuana addiction, Science 277 (1997), 749-52; and on alcohol addiction, BMJ 315 (1997), 358-60. It is thought to be responsible for health decline in Russian men, BMJ 315 (1997), 386; Lancet 350 (1997), 379, 383-8. On the perils of drowsy driving, NEJM 337 (1997), 783-4.

Also on the EMF/health debate, NS (9 Aug. 1997), 3, 16-7. A proposal that plants can use electric fields to signal eminent climatic changes is discussed in NS (23 Aug. 1997), 28-31. Mutation in barn swallows around Chernobyl is 2-10 times higher, Nature 389 (1997), 593-6. Nuclear test fallout in the US may result in from 10-75,000 extra cases of thyroid cancer, BMJ 315 (1997), 329; Lancet 350 (1997), 415. There have also been extra revelations of personnel from military in the USA being exposed to radiation, BMJ 315 (1997), 566; Nature 389 (1997), 534; in addition to UK cases, Lancet 350 (1997), 649. The problems of bioaccumulation of radioactive isotopes by crustaceans around atolls means they are not a good place for dumping waste [if any is], NS (27 Sept. 1997), 4. Plutonium from Sellafield is being found in teeth of growing children across the UK, NS (2 Aug. 1997), 16; and increased leukemia is found around other nuclear sites in the UK, BMJ 315 (1997), 309. The site for disposal is still to be decided, Nature 389 (1997), 428; NS (16 Aug. 1997), 10. A Taiwanese study has found cytogenetic damage in persons living in buildings built with cobalt-60-contaminated steel, Lancet 350 (1997), 330-3.

French ministries are arguing over the impact of the report on health dangers of asbestos, Nature 389 (1997), 649-50. On air pollution and lung damage, Env. Health Persp. 103 (1995), 852-6; and coal dust, NS (27 Sept. 1997), 20-1. A study of allergies to oilseed rape emissions has found only a few individuals are affected, but more study is called for, Lancet 350 (1997), 458-9. Hydrofluorocarbons that are substituting for CFCs are related to liver disease, Lancet 350 (1997), 556-9. A USDA food survey found many pesticides, on 65% of fruits and vegetables sold in USA, but 4% violated EPA limits, EST 31 (1997), 406-7A. California Prop. 65 is a right to know all such details, EST 31 (1997), 368-9A.

The risks of violence increase in houses with alcohol or illicit drug use, JAMA 278 (1997), 569-75. A series of papers on violence and health is in SSM 45 (1997), 1143-98. There is debate over the safety of CS sprays for crowd control, Lancet 350 (1997), 605. A review of crime is Sampson, RJ. et al. "Neighborhoods and violent crime: A multilevel study of collective efficacy", Science 277 (1997), 918-24.

The US FDA has new guidelines, JAMA 278 (1997), 946-7; GEN 17 (15 Oct 1997), 1, 10, 38; Lancet 350 (1997), 1153, 1690. The law allows companies to distribute peer-reviewed journal articles on off-label uses to doctors. Fast-track processes are included, trials on pediatric patients will have market exclusive period extended, and allowing health claims on foods. WHO is considering regulating Ads, and sale of products on the Internet, JAMA 278 (1997), 1723-4. A comment on men, women and animals used in drug advertisements is BMJ 315 (1997), 1550. On alternative medicines integration in the USA, JAMA 278 (1997), 2111-2; NatMed 3 (1997), 1306-7. Further trials of homeopathy are suggested although no definitive results are shown in trials in Lancet 350 (1997), 834-43, 824-5. On the influences to make doctors prescribe, BMJ 315 (1997), 1482-3. On risk adjustment, JAMA 278 (1997), 1600--7. Personal use of drug samples is discussed in JAMA 278 (1997), 1567-9.

Donation of the anti-malarial drug malarone may be related to development of resistance if used improperly, Lancet 350 (1997), 1624-5, 1628. On inappropriate drug donation practices in Bosnia, NEJM 337 (1997), 1842-5. The FDA has found no major danger from Halcion, Lancet 350 (1997), 1760. Letters on use of statins are in BMJ 315 (1997), 826-7, 1554-5, 1615-20. About 65% of the 751 instances of counterfeit drugs notified to WHO in the past 15 years have been produced in developing countries, Lancet 350 (1997), 1690; BMJ 315 (1997), 1557; Time (26 Jan 1997), 42-4. A call for greater information to patients and doctors when new drugs are approved is made BMJ 315 (1997), 1248-9; and on consumer reports, JAMA 278 (1997), 1579-84.

A survey of health behavior in Australian 18 year olds is SSM 45 (1997), 1549-62. On health behaviour of Hindus and Sikhs and Europeans, Lancet 350 (1997), 1578-83. Bed-rails should be modified to reduce injury, AJPH 87 (1997), 1675-7. A review is Brown, SL. et al. "Rupture of silicone-gel breast implants: causes, sequelae, and diagnosis", Lancet 350 (1997), 1531-7. On women in clinical trials, NatMed 3 (1997), 1179-80. There is a plan to register unpublished epidemiology studies, Science 277 (1997), 1754.

With the return of thalidomide, there are calls for monitoring of birth defects, AJMG 73 (1997), 251-8; NatBio 15 (1997), 1238; Lancet 350 (1997), 873; JAMA 278 (1997), 1135-7. Anti-obesity drugs, Pondimin and Redux have been withdrawn from the market as a link to heart valve defects is tested, Lancet 350 (1997), 867; BMJ 315 (1997), 1329. A biosensor for genotoxin screening in recombinant E. coli cells is reported in AEM 63 (1997), 4377-84.

Suspicions of food safety are high after diseases like BSE, and E. coli, Lancet 350 (1997), 1234; Science 278 (1997), 1887; but regulations in the UK have decreased incidence, BMJ 315 (1997), 1114. There is often too much information, JAMA 278 (1997), 1052-3; NS (18 Oct 1997), Supplement 1-4. On the dangers of red meat consumption and what is a safe level, Lancet 350 (1997), 1007; BMJ 315 (1997), 1018. Healthy eating has health benefits as shown in a Vietnam child program, BMJ 315 (1997), 1122-5; and high milk consumption in girls increases bone mass, BMJ 315 (1997), 1255-60. Modest reduction in salt consumption in older people leads to reduced blood pressure, Lancet 350 (1997), 850-4. Women with high consumption of phyto-estrogens have lower rate of breast cancer, Lancet 350 (1997), 990-74, 971-2; as do lighter women, JAMA 278 (1997), 1407-11. Xenoestrogens may be related to cancer, NEJM 337 (1997), 1303-4, 1686-7; Time (1 Dec 1997), 55.

An extract of Ginkgo biloba can be used for dementia treatment, JAMA 278 (1997), 1327-32. Multivitamin and vitamin E consumption leads to less colon cancer risk, Lancet 350 (1997), 1452; Cancer Epidemiol. Biomarkers Prev. 6 (1997), 769-74. If antioxidant vitamins are taken with a high fat meal the endothelial function is not reduced, JAMA 278 (1997), 1682-6. Too much is bad however, Time (6 Dec 1997). Fat quantity rather than quality may be related to heart disease risk, Lancet 350 (1997), 1603; BMJ 315 (1997), 997-1000; NEJM 337 (1997), 1491-9, 1544-5. Caloric restriction may retard cancers, BMJ 315 (1997), 1332; NS (15 Nov 1997), 15; and aging, NEJM 337 (1997), 986-8. A call for checking cholesterol levels health affects in elderly patients is Lancet 350 (1997), 1119-23. A review on jet-lag is Lancet 350 (1997), 1611-6. On SF-36 questionnaire to assess health, BMJ 315 (1997), 1273-9. A review of diet and cancer links is JAMA 278 (1997), 1650-1; and on cancer, Science 278 (1997), 995.

On environmental affects on human health see the Environment section; also, JAMA 278 (1997), 1793; AJPH 87 (1997), 1798-807; Sellers, C. "Discovering environmental cancer: Wilhelm Hueper, Post-World War II epidemiology, and the vanishing clinician's eye", AJPH 87 (1997), 1824-35. Gulf-war illness appears to be vaccine side effects (see Vaccine section), also, Nature 390 (1997), 4. Mortality of coal miners is reviewed in Occup. Env. Med. 54 (1997), 708-13. On health and child labour, Lancet 350 (1997), 1395-6; and work conditions in general, Lancet 350 (1997), 1187. There is an East-West European gap in mortality, Lancet 350 (1997), 1255. On liver abnormalities caused by HCFCs, Lancet 350 (1997), 1248-9. On controls for age affects in occupational epidemiology, Occup. Env. Med. 54 (1997), 769, 772-6. On hazards of lead paint in houses, AJPH 87 (1997), 1698-702, 1871; and mercury in fish, NS (22 Nov 1997), 3; Science 278 (1997), 1904-5.

Smoking cessation may be cost effective to reduce health care costs, JAMA 278 (1997), 1759-66; but eventually all will die and costs may not be so different claims one study, NEJM 337 (1997), 1052-7. A study of the impact of US tobacco restrictions is JAMA 278 (1997), 2055-7. US flight attendants have received damages for exposure to smoke, BMJ 315 (1997), 968. Smoke-free ordinances do not adversely affect bar or restaurant sales in USA, AJPH 87 (1997), 1687-93; and laws may reduce use, NEJM 337 (1997), 1044-51. On tobacco politics, AJPH 87 (1997), 1593-5; Lancet 350 (1997), 890; NatMed 3 (1997), 1305; BMJ 315 (1997), 961-2, 1037; JAMA 278 (1997), 1028; NEJM 337 (1997), 1082-3; Science 278 (1997), 203. The UK Cancer Research Campaign has said it will no longer fund any work if a Department or Faculty received money from tobacco companies, BMJ 315 (1997), 967. A Brazilian cigarette company has been fined for premature death caused by smoking, Lancet 350 (1997), 1014. A review is Hackshaw, AK. et al. "The accumulated evidence on lung cancer and environmental tobacco smoke", BMJ 315 (1997), 980-8; hip fracture in old age increases, BMJ 315 (1997), 841-6; and on heart disease, BMJ 315 (1997), 973-80; also see PNAS 94 (1997), 13915-20. Nicotine activates and desensitizes midbrain dopamine neurons, Nature 390 (1997), 401-4; and acetylcholine receptors are involved, Nature 391 (1998), 173-7; but on whether to increase or decrease nicotine levels is unsure, NEJM 337 (1997), 1230-1. On motor racing influence and exemptions to the UK tobacco advertising ban, Lancet 350 (1997), 1411, 1474; BMJ 315 (1997), 763, 1251, 1325-6, 1397. Europe has agreed to a total tobacco ban by 2006, BMJ 315 (1997), 1559; one can ask why a decade late? Australian law courts have judged in favour of people with asthma to be guarantied a smoke free interior, BMJ 315 (1997), 904. Tobacco damage in China is reported in JAMA 278 (1997), 1505-8, 1531-2; Science 277 (1997), 1769.

Alcohol problems are another avoidable health risk, discussed in JAMA 278 (1997), 1755-8, 1781-2; Lancet 350 (1997), 956-7; BMJ 315 (1997), 1179, 1637-9, 1664-8; Moderate consumption reduces mortality in US middle or old aged adults, NEJM 337 (1997), 1705-14, 1763-4. A social perspective is Warner, J. "Shifting categories of the social harms associated with alcohol: Examples from late Medieval and early modern England", AJPH 87 (1997), 1788-97. On substance abuse, J. Rehabilitation (Oct 1997), 5+; Time (19 Jan 1998), 35. Doctors have ambivalent attitudes, BMJ 315 (1997), 1297-9. Alcohol may protect, and coffee increase risk, of Helicobacter pylori infection, BMJ 315 (1997), 1489-92. The BMA wants the licensing of cannabis changed to allow trials, BMJ 315 (1997), 1329; the NIH has funded a marijuana study, Science 278 (1997), 211; and a book review is Science 278 (1997), 75. Several papers on addiction are in Science 278 (1997), 15, 45-63, including Dutch cannabis policy and on genetic and hormonal factors.

Air bags can reduce fatalities from car crashes, JAMA 278 (1997), 1418-25, 1437-9. The ban on landmines has ethical backing, comments include, Lancet 350 (1997), 891-2, 941; BMJ 315 (1997), 1450-2; and on banning blinding lasers, BMJ 315 (1997), 1392. The effects of gun laws on firearm mortality, JAMA 278 (1997), 1084-6. Violence is often found in TV commercials as well, JAMA 278 (1997), 1045-6.

The largest ever study of its kind finds a role of radiation exposure of fathers to childhood cancers, Draper, GJ. et al. "Cancer in the offspring of radiation workers: a record linkage study", BMJ 315 (1997), 1181-8, 1232-5; Nature 390 (1997), 107; Ecologist 27 (1997), 170-2; NS (11 Oct 1997), 36-40; (15 Nov 1997), 3-5. Taiwan has compensated residents exposed to radiation from their apartment buildings that used radioactive building components, Lancet 350 (1997), 1232. There is increased nuclear debate in France, Nature 390 (1997), 322. A retraction of a paper reporting high levels of DNA change in rodents around Chernobyl is Nature 390 (1997), 100; and a study is underway to examine affects of um sized metal particles from Chernobyl, NS (20 Dec 1997),15. Radiation therapy after retinoblastoma treatment could lead to more cancer, JAMA 278 (1997), 1262-7. An atmospheric study of radionuclides finds seasonal variation, Naturwissenschaften 84 (1997), 535-9. A shipment of highly radioactive nuclear waste -- the third and largest ever shipment to date -- is departing France for Japan in January 1998. This third shipment will be carrying 60 blocks of vitrified (glassified) high-level radioactive waste thus containing more than 2000 times the radioactivity of the Hiroshima fallout. The movement against the nuclear imports to Japan can be contacted, Green Action, 22-75-103, Tanaka Sekiden-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8203, JAPAN. Tel: 075-701-7223. Fax: 075-702-1952. Email: amsmith@gol.com. The costs of nuclear cleanup are very high, NS (6 Dec 1997), 3, 15; (13 Dec 1997), 3, 14; EST 31 (1997), 458A, 510-4A. Atomic fingerprints may be used to monitor ships that dump oil at sea, NS (8 Nov 1997), 23.

Researchers are testing if cell phones affect memory, SA (Dec 1997), 20. Exposure to magnetic fields and leukemia is debated in NEJM 337 (1997), 1471-4. Letters on cardiac pacemakers and cellular telephone effects are in NEJM 337 (1997), 1006-8. A call for reducing radio wave pollution is Nature 390 (1997), 101, 103.

There are calls to legalize use of marijuana for medical purposes in Canada, CMAJ 158 (1998), 373-6; and book reviews of the subject, BMJ 316 (1998), 239; Lancet 350 (1997), 1828. The Malaysian Ministry of Health has given traditional medicine manufacturers until the end of 1998 to comply with Good Manufacturing Practices guidelines, New Strait Times (21 Feb. 1998), 4. On regulation of herbs, SA (Feb. 1998), 30, 32. There may be no clear benefit from moderate drinking of alcohol, Science 279 (1998), 991. It is difficult to determine the alcohol concentration in postmortem samples, BMJ 316 (1998), 87. A report on the battle to set drug prices in New Zealand is Lancet 351 (1998), 195. On the use of aspirin instead of statin, Lancet 351 (1998), 227-8.

A review of the burial of radioactive waste under the seabed is SA (Jan 1998), 60-5. The world's worst radioactive contamination is around the Mayak Production Association in the Urals, by Kasli, EST 32 (1998), 80A. The introduction of microbial nutrients into nuclear waste disposal vaults may increase bacterial levels by 20 times, EST 32 (1998), 317-26. The UK wants to earn money from US nuclear waste reprocessing, NS (31 Jan. 1998), 11.

A discussion of whether electric fields cause cancer is SA (March 1998), 33-4; Lancet 351 (1998), 276. Letters on health effects of acute exposure to EMF are in Occup. Environ. Med. 55 (1998), 144. It has been found that applying changing magnetic fields to the brain helps neurons form new connections. Discussion of how to reduce skin cancer is MJA 167 (1997), 515-6.

The failure of people to follow resolutions to reduce weight is discussed in NEJM 338 (1998), 52-4; and obesity, Nature 391 (1998), 759; NEJM 338 (1998), 1-7, 127-9; Lancet 351 (1998), 194. Walking in old age reduces overall mortality, NEJM 338 (1998), 94-9. On labeling of fat-reduced milk products, FDA Consumer (Jan. 1998), 22-5. Consumption of fish at least once a week reduces risk of sudden cardiac death in men, JAMA 279 (1998), 23-8, 65-6. Consuming high levels of vitamin B6 and folate may decrease women's rate of heart disease. Not eating vegetables and fruits poses a greater risk to health then not eating them even if they contain pesticide residues, Cancer 80 (1997), 2019-33. A study of the reason why some food aid was sold in Africa from camps is that it was a shortage of some items not excess, Lancet 351 (1998), 128-30. On stress mediators, NEJM 338 (1998), 171-9; SA (Jan. 1998), 28-9.

Some children receive silicone through placenta and milk from mother's who have breast implants, Lancet 351 (1998), 349. Also on breast implants, Nyren, O. et al. "Risk of connective tissue disease and related disorders among women with breast implants: a nation-wide retrospective cohort study in Sweden", BMJ 316 (1998), 417-22, 403-4. PVCs are implicated in testicular cancer, NS (24 Jan. 1998), 13. On phyto-estrogens and breast cancer, Lancet 351 (1998), 137-9 A review of cancer in the rubber industry is Occup. Environ. Med. 55 (1998), 1-12. In general on cancer risks, BMJ 316 (1998), 318.

Brown and Williamson Tobacco has admitted that the company used genetically modified tobacco with enhanced nicotine levels, and continued despite assurances 4 years ago that it stopped the practice; Science 279 (1998), 317. Drs. CE. Koop and D. Kessler have said that they oppose giving tobacco companies protection against further legal suits in a tobacco settlement, 18 Feb. 1998. Also on US tobacco action, Lancet 351 (1998), 276, 476; AJPH 87 (1997), 1989-96, 2042-4. A call for advertising bans is Lancet 350 (1997), 1831; and on tobacco control, BMJ 316 (1998), 321; Lancet 351 (1998), 451-2; Nursing Times (4 Feb 1998), 42; Environmental Research 75 (1997), 95-9. Heavy smoking may cause irreversible damage to arteries, BMJ 316 (1998), 250; and passive smoking advances atherosclerosis, Lancet 351 (1998), 189; JAMA 279 (1998), 119, 125-9, 157-8; as well as other costs, NEJM 338 (1998), 470-3; Science 279 (1998), 796. A doctor in the Netherlands who refused to treat patients who smoked has been warned that he should by the government, BMJ 316 (1998), 250.

On the ethics of controlling driving in persons with dementia, MJA 167 (1997), 406-7.

A review of the risks of dermal exposure is EST 32 81998), 134-7A; and on toxicity in general, EST 32 (1998), 138-44A. A study of mortality in synthetic rubber workers is Occup. Environ. Med. 55 (1998), 230-5; and on exposure to lead and neuropsychological dysfunction, Occup. Environ. Med. 55 (1998), 202-9. The US Senate is supporting a large study into chemical risks, Science 279 (1998), 1839. A conference report of the role of human neurobehavioural tests in regulatory activity on chemicals is Occup. Environ. Med. 55 (1998), 210-4. In general on public health, Lancet 351 (1998), 590-2; MJA 168 (1998), 228-30; AJPH 88 (1998), 188-92.

There are concerns again about the pesticide ivermectin used in Scottish salmon farms, NS (7 Feb. 1998), 23. A fuel additive called methyl tertiary-butyl ether is building up in water reservoirs in the USA, NS (7 Feb. 1998), 22.

The US Dept. of Defense has not explained to the FDA why it broke rules in the delivering of vaccines against tickborne encephalitis in Bosnia, NatMed 4 (1998), 255. The use of calcium channel blockers may increase the risk of suicide, BMJ 316 (1998), 741-3; NEJM 337 (1998), 679-80. On the prescribing of psychotropic medications, JAMA 279 (1998), 526-31. The drug acetaminophen is a risk factor for excessive warfarin anticoagulation, JAMA 279 (1998), 657-62. A commentary on the export of expired drugs to developing countries is SA (April 1998), 31-2. The drug tamoxifen appears to reduce breast cancer risks.

A study from 1919 shows illicit drug use increased after WWII, AJPH 88 (1998), 27-33. On the Swiss heroin trials, BMJ 316 (1998), 639; and substance abuse, AJPH 88 (1998), 9-11. A study of how households affect drinking is SSM 46 (1998), 971-9. Efforts to increase public health are discussed in Lancet 351 (1998), 463, 687. Social stress is related to the high Russian mortality, JAMA 279 (1998), 790-1, 793-800. Methods to measure the burden of disease are discussed in AJPH 88 (1998), 196-202. Unfavourable diet in childhood can increase cancer risk in later life, BMJ 316 (1998), 499-504; NatMed 4 (1998), 465-6; and estrogen derivatives in the body are related to cancer, Science 279 (1998), 1631-3. Moderate wine drinking decreases mortality in a French study, BMJ 316 (1998), 648.

A new obesity mediator has been found, orexin A and B, Cell 92 (1998), 573-83; BMJ 316 (1998), 649. In March the FDA failed to approve Xenical a new anti-obesity drug, as the panel was split, Lancet 351 (1998), 885.Fast foods and access to televised entertainment may contribute to obesity in the USA, AJPH 88 (1998), 277-80. Also on obesity, Lancet 351 (1998), 888, 903-4; and QOL in obese persons, Lancet 351 (1998), 853-6. Very low fat diets can cause harm to some people, BMJ 316 (1998), 573.

Vitamin C exhibits pro-oxidant properties, Nature 392 (1998), 559. There is also a need for more vitamin D, NEJM 337 (1998), 828-9; and vitamin E may affect immune response, JAMA 279 (1998), 505-6. How to control claims of healthy foods is discussed in Lancet 351 (1998), 609. There is controversy in the UK over a report The Nutritional Aspects of the Development of Cancer (HMSO 1998) which makes dietary suggestions, BMJ 316 (1998), 798. People with high levels of homocysteine and low levels of folate in the blood are at higher risk of heart disease, Lancet 351 (1998), 502; BMJ 316 (1998), 498. A US study of sodium intake could not make specific recommendations, Lancet 351 (1998), 781-5. US and Japanese scientists are disputing the presence of E.coli O157 in radish sprouts, Nature 392 (1998), 642. A letter describing why figs are the preferred food by many animals is Nature 392 (1998), 668.

A survey of spices around the world has shown that they reduce the effects of food-borne disease, Nature 392 (1998), 649-50. A review is Borchers, AT. et al. "Complementary medicine: a review of immunomodulatory effects of Chinese herbal medicines", Amer. J. Clin. Nutrition 66 (1997), 1303-12. Baxter Healthcare has offered between C$7-70,000 per woman who had ill effects from silicone breast implants, Lancet 351 (1998), 508; BMJ 316 (1998), 574. On the rupture of implants, Lancet 351 (1998), 520-1. Nancy Reagan's breast mastectomy increased the use of surgery in US women, JAMA 279 (1998), 762-6.

The growth of tobacco sales in Asia is reviewed in Asian Business Review (March 1998), 31-4; Lancet 351 (1998), 889. The US tobacco settlement with the federal government is now considered a dead deal as the government is seeking more damages from the companies; BMJ 316 (1998), 803. A new policy is needed, JAMA 279 (1998), 550-1. Germany has rejected a ban on smoking in public places, BMJ 316 (1998), 496; despite the growing presence of these bans, BMJ 316 (1998), 727-30, 881. Predictors of smokeless tobacco use are discussed in AJPH 88 (1998), 20-6; and of smoking in adolescents, AJPH 88 (1998), 104-7; and on adolescent exposure to tobacco adverts, JAMA 279 (1998), 511-5, 516-20, 772-7; BMJ 316 (1998), 712. Industry's voluntary ban on all television, radio, cinema and Internet advertising of tobacco in Japan went into effect on 1 April, 1998, Lancet 351 (1998), 579. Public resistance to passive smoking is discussed in Lancet 351 (1998), 845; and it causes health damage, Science News 153 (1998), 36; Lancet 351 (1998), 503, 807; BMJ 316 (1998), 945; CMAJ 158 (1998), 1178-80. Increased effort to public health efforts to stop smoking are called for in SSM 46 (1998), 703-17. There has not been a continued decline in Australian smoking in 1995, MJA 168 (1998), 204-5, 209-13. British patients can sue tobacco companies, BMJ 316 (1998), 571. On the health hazards, Nature 392 (1998), 122.

The standard radiation safety limits need to be revised to protect young and old persons, NS (28 Feb. 1998), 12. On Yucca mountain nuclear deposit, Science 279 (1998), 2040-1. A review is Lacy-Hulbert, A. et al. "Biological responses to electromagnetic fields", FASEB J 12 (1998), 395-420. Some EMF effects are through hormones, Science News 153 (10 Jan 1998), 29-31. Television broadcasts can be linked to seizures in photosensitive persons, NatMed 4 (1998), 265-6.

Letters on cost-effectiveness of airbags are in JAMA 279 (1998), 506-7. The export of weapons of torture is criticized in Time (6 April 1998), 30-1.

Papers on the globalization of public health are in, AJPH 88 (1998), 735-4. On the roles of WHO, BMJ 316 (1998), 1402-4; Science 280 (1998), 2027. On public health in general, BMJ 316 (1998), 951-2. Adverse reactions to drugs should be better reported but they may not be preventable, JAMA 279 (1998), 1200-5, 1216-7; NS (27 June 1998), 3. There are some dangers of giving public direct access to pharmaceuticals, Lancet 351 (1998), 921. FDA funding may imperil safety of products even in USA, JAMA 279 (1998), 899-901. Attention deficit disorder is also under-diagnosed, BMJ 311 (1998), 1594-6.

The Dow Corning Corporation has suggested a US$3.2 billion bankruptcy plan for 400,000 women regarding silicone breast implant damage in early July, 1998. There is an attempt to ban them in Europe, BMJ 316 (1998), 1040; see also Lancet 351 (1998), 1358-9. A new Internet-based electronic certification system for bovine serum imported into Europe from New Zealand is being used to stop serum forgers from using the countries disease free name, NatBio 16 (1998), 503.

Use of vitamins A, C and E for cancer prevention are discussed in CMAJ 158 (1998), 1483-90; Lancet 351 (1998), 961, 1523; and for heart disease including folic acid, Lancet 351 (1998), 11; NEJM 337 (1998), 1009-15, 1060-1. Genistein may be one of e ingredients in soybean that is an anticancer substance, NS (14 March 1998), 14. There is debate over the way tamoxifen should be used for lessening cancer risk, Lancet 351 (1998), 1107, 1451-67; BMJ 316 (1998), 1557. Aspirin can help lessen risk of heart attacks over at least 10 years, BMJ 316 (1998), 1337-43. Placebos can have major effects, Lancet 351 (1998), 1722-5; NEJM 337 (1998), 1236-7; Science 280 (1998), 1901-2; as can alternative medicine, JAMA 279 (1998), 1548-53. There is much criticism of the side effects of Viagra, a pill to increase sexual erections in males, BMJ 316 (1998), 1755; Lancet 351 (1998), 1635; JAMA 279 (1998), 1684; NS (16 May 1998), 14. The first Japanese user died in early July. Israel has banned its import, after 6 deaths in the USA, BMJ 316 (1998), 1625.

A paper on injuries associated with the farm harvest in Canada is in CMAJ 158 (1998), 1493-8. The contribution of environment to breast cancer risk is discussed in Lancet 351 (1998), 1791. Exercise can help, NEJM 337 (1998), 1269-75, 1311-2; also for heart disease, Lancet 351 (1998), 1603-8. Factors that influence car travel for children are analyzed in BMJ 316 (1998), 1426-8. Lung cancer from work is reviewed in Environmental Research 76 (1998), 78-84. Asbestos is a carcinogen, NEJM 337 (1998), 1618-9. Rugby injuries continue to show it is a dangerous game, MJA 168 (1998), 379-81; but boxing should be banned according to many, BMJ 316 (1998), 1813-5. Efforts to stop violence in children are discussed in JAMA 279 (1998), 1853; NEJM 337 (1998), 1375-6; BMJ 316 (1998), 1551. On Cambodia, BMJ 316 (1998), 1082-6. Racial factors on mortality appear to be from income disparity, Lancet 351 (1998), 934-9; NEJM 337 (1998), 1321-2; JAMA 279 (1998), 1703-8. On gender as a determinant, SSM 46 (1998), 1417-24.

Obesity rates are rising, Science 280 (1998), 1364-8; NEJM 337 (1998), 1156-8. On ethnic foods, Nature 393 (1998), 427-8; and on the protection given by spices, Quarterly Review of Biology 73 (1998), 3-84. The FDA has declared the fat substitute, Olestra safe, BMJ 316 (1998), 1926; and on other drugs, Science 280 (1998), 1374-87;MJA 168 (1998), 409+; BMJ 316 (1998), 1241-2, 1956-8. Television may contribute, JAMA 279 (1998), 938-42, 959-60; as may the environment, Science 280 (1998), 1371-4. On heart disease prevention, NEJM 337 (1998), 1690-1; Lancet 351 (1998), 1259; AJPH 88 (1998), 623-9; and biochemistry of obesity, Nature 393 (1998), 684-8; Science 280 (1998), 1369-70; NatMed 4 (1998), 718-21. Stricter limits on pesticide residues are expected on foods in the USA, NS (4 April 1998), 14. On perception of risk, NS (21 Feb. 1998), 16-7; BMJ 316 (1998), 1033-4, 1154-7.

The European Parliament has passed a ban on all direct and indirect advertising of tobacco from 2001, Lancet 351 (1998), 1568; BMJ 316 (1998), 1334. A legal analysis of tobacco regulation is Paralusz, KM. "Ashes to ashes: Why FDA regulation of tobacco advertising may mark the end of the road for the Marlboro man", AJLM XXIV (1998), 89-122. Many tobacco company documents have been released revealing the efforts made to attempt to deny passive smoking risks, NS (2 May 1998), 22; Lancet 351 (1998), 1450; BMJ 316 (1998), 1186, 1923; NS (16 May 1998), 3; SA (July 1998), 30-1. Companies are attempting to subpoena important scientific files, Science 280 (1998), 514-5. Tobacco companies in the USA established networks of sympathetic scientists, BMJ 316 (1998), 1555; NS (16 May 1998), 4-5. A review article written by authors with affiliations to the tobacco industry is 88 times more likely to conclude that passive smoking is not harmful than authors that do not, BMJ 316 (1998), 1554; JAMA 279 (1998), 1566-70. On methods for oral delivery of drugs and peptides, TIBTECH 16 (1998), 152-7. A UK nurse's case against passive smoking exposure reached the UK High Court but she lost, in which she claims her asthma made who leave a job where she had to be in a communal lounge with smokers, BMJ 316 (1998), 1477, 1629.

A study on school attempts to stop smoking is AJPH 88 (1998), 940-3; children may be learning at home also, AJPH 88 (1998), 797-800; as well as the direct health affects, NS (6 June 1998), 22. Breast-fed infants of smoking mothers have ten times the level of urine cotinine level, AJPH 88 (1998), 893-6. It is difficult to stop retailers selling tobacco unless there is enforcement of laws, AJPH 88 (1998), 932-9. A study finding that tobacco legislators influence state legislative behaviour is AJPH 88 (1998), 918-23. On tobacco industry in Britain is also challenging government reports, BMJ 316 (1998), 1768. Cigar sales are steady despite falls in cigarettes, JAMA 279 (1998), 1513; but tobacco is exported, Lancet 351 (1998), 1597. A study of how people take doctor's advice to quit smoking is BMJ 316 (1998), 1878-81. A call to include smoking as a cause of death is made in BMJ 316 (1998), 1606-7. An Austrian company Austria Tabak has started to fund anti-smoking campaigns, Lancet 351 (1998), 1040. The US Minnesota tobacco suit was settled for US$6.5 billion on 7 May, Lancet 351 (1998), 1498. The US federal tobacco deal has been ended, BMJ 316 (1998), 1185; Newsweek (22 June 1998), 30-33; Time (29 June 1998), 42-4. A call for smokers to reap rewards of tobacco taxes is NS (11 April 1998), 3.

BRCA-mutation carriers are urged not to take up smoking due to high risk, Lancet 351 (1998), 1635; J. Natl. Cancer Inst. 90 (1998), 761-6. On the mechanism of nicotine addiction, NatMed 4 (1998), 659-60. On health damage, JAMA 279 (1998), 1715-9; BMJ 316 (1998), 1017, 1043-7; NS (30 May 1998), 5. Native American pipes have been found 3000 years old, Science News 153 (1998), 238. The combination of radon and smoking dramatically increases lung cancer deaths, and a US estimate suggests 12% of lung cancer cases are from radon, Science 279 (1998), 1311; BMJ 316 (1998), 1557. Methods to reduce exposure to indoor allergens are discussed in BMJ 316 (1998), 1075+.

Letters on mortality from alcohol include, NEJM 337 (1998), 1385; BMJ 316 (1998), 1515-7. The impact of alcohol dependency on liver transplantation policy is discussed in J. Rehabilitation (April-June 1998), 19+. Also see EJAIB 8 (1998), 105-111. A small amount of alcohol may make children attracted to alcohol, NS (7 March 1998), 12. Alcoholism in India is discussed in BMJ 316 (1998), 1394-5; and in the Western world in SA (June 1998), 80-5. The research into medical use of marijuana in the UK will be increased, BMJ 316 (1998), 1034-5, 1335; but WHO does not want to be involved, NS (21 Feb. 1998), 3-4, 24-31. There have been recent increases in student marijuana use in USA, AJPH 88 (1998), 887-92. On heroin and methadone treatment, MJA 168 (1998), 590-1, 596-600; BMJ 316 (1998), 1038, 1256-7. Mice that lack serotonin-1B receptor have increased susceptibility to cocaine, Nature 393 (1998), 118-9, 175-9. In general on illegal drugs, JAMA 279 (1998), 827-32.

A discussion of marijuana as medicine is in SA (August 1998), 18-9. It may alter cognitive functioning, NS (11 July 1998), 52; yet also protect the brain from damage after strokes, NS (11 July 1998), 16. Small changes in the A118G opiate receptor can make people more resistant to using opioid drugs, PNAS 95 (1998), 9608-12. Snorting cocaine leads to narrow arteries, NS (15 August 1998), 6. The UN is joining the campaign against illegal drugs, Lancet 351 (1998), 1863. A written questionnaire is being tested in UK schools to predict who will use drugs, NS (22 August 1998), 23. A call for doctors to be concerned about doping in sport is Lancet 352 (1998), 42, 415. A call for doctors to stop alcoholism is JAMA 279 (1998), 1767-8.

More information allows better public health measures but does make analysis complicated, AJPH 88 (1998), 1019-21; NEJM 339 (1998), 481-2. It is 150 years since the UK's first public health Act, Lancet 352 (1998), 251-2. Some diseases like cancer are very difficult to unravel however, NS (8 August 1998), 49. On clinical trials and use of data, Lancet 351 (1998), 1952-4; 352 (1998), 495-6; BMJ 317 (1998), 362-3. Patient preferences should be included when possible, BMJ 317 (1998), 78-9; SSM 47 (1998), 891-8. On patient information, BMJ 317 (1998), 264-5. Physicians may still be slow to implement the results of trials, such as the low prescription rate for diuretics, JAMA 279 (1998), 1813-6. The UK MRC was cleared of major misconduct in its radiation experiments in the 1950s and 1960s, but still the inquiry suggested more information could have been provided, NatMed 4 (1998), 752. A proposed radiotherapy trial in the UK also has ethical concerns, BMJ 317 (1998), 155-6.

The side effects of new drugs need to be informed more in many cases so that patients can choose, NEJM 338 (1998), 1844-6. Two trials of taxomifen on breast cancer found no effect, Lancet 352 (1998), 80-1, 93-7, 98-101; BMJ 317 (1998), 162. Bisphosphonates are discussed in NEJM 339 (1998), 398-400. A call has been made for more side effect studies on steriod drugs before they are used, Lancet 352 (1998), 461. Thalidomide is being approved for erythema nodosum leprosum, Lancet 352 (1998), 298. Also on thalidomide's new licensing, NatBio 16 (1998), 695. There are still concerns over Viagra, Lancet 352 (1998), 124; BMJ 317 (1998), 165. Letters on vitamin B6 10mg a day recommendation are in Lancet 352 (1998), 62-3; BMJ 317 (1998), 92-3, 370. On EU drug licensing policy and secrecy, Lancet 352 (1998), 480-2. Italy is stopping use of an unproven cancer treatment, the Di Bella cure, Nature 394 (1998), 514.

Methods for mapping genes that underlie ethnic variation in disease risk are reviewed in AJHG 63 (1998), 241-51. There are variations in cancer risk related to the genes we are born with, AJHG 63 (1998), 1-5; and racial factors may be involved beyond socio-economic trends, JAMA 279 (1998), 1801-7; 280 (1998), 356-62; Ophthalmology 105 (1998), 1135-6; BMJ 317 (1998), 164. A little bit of dirt is good for the immune system, NS (18 July 1998), 26-31. Discussion of suntan and melanoma is in Science News 153 (1998), 360-5.

Healthy food intake is discussed in Health Education Research 13 (1998), 1-12, 171-84; AJPH 88 (1998), 1216-8. The benefits of soybeans are discussed in Science News 153 (1998), 348-9. A US court has lifted an FDA ban of a dietary supplement called "natural" anticholesterol, Lancet 351 (1998), 1940. A debate of salt and high blood pressure is in Science 281 (1998), 933; NS (18 July 1998), 4. Education is also needed to make people aware of the warning signs of stroke, JAMA 280 (1998), 1288-92. Suicide rate is not affected by anorexia nervosa, AJPH 88 (1998), 1206-7. A trial found that orlistat can help reduce weight, Lancet 352 (1998), 167-73; an important goal for modern society, Lancet 352 (1998), 160-1. A paper on optimal body mass index and sexual attractiveness is Lancet 352 (1998), 548. Diet and cholesterol may not be so closely linked as assumed, NEJM 339 (1998), 12-20. Choices for obese patients are discussed in BMJ 317 (1998), 266-7.

On hormone replacement therapy and heart disease prevention, JAMA 280 (1998), 650-1. On the use of complementary medicines, MJA 169 (1998), 180-1. Gender bias and power is seen in Andean ethnomedicine, as in Western medicine, SSM 47 (1998), 1005-15. On occupational medicine, AJPH 88 (1998), 1012-3.

A review is Jacobson, N. "The socially constructed breast: Breast implants and the medical construction of need", AJPH 88 (1998), 1254-61. Letters on the risks of damage from implants include BMJ 317 (1998), 161, 230, 470-1; Lancet 352 (1998), 211, 380; Science 281 (1998), 511. A new UK study has found no increased risk of connective tissue damage from implants. In the Philippines many women want paler skin and are suffering from the chemicals used to bleach skin, Lancet 352 (1998), 555. On cosmetic treatment, JAMA 279 (1998), 1595-6.

There have been French and UK trials of feeding pesticides to people, who did not get sick after that, which may not be accepted by the US EPA, NS (8 August 1998), 13; BMJ 317 (1998), 430; Lancet 352 (1998), 499; Nature 394 (1998), 515. However pesticides may have impaired child development in an Arizona community, Science News 153 (1998), 358. A food borne outbreak is reported in BMJ 317 (1998), 268-8. Lead exposure damages the brain, and the damage is seen in children 20 years after exposure in Bunker Hill in the USA, Occup. Environ. Med. 55 (1998), 507-16. The lead levels in blood in the UK are 80% lower than 10-15 years ago, BMJ 317 (1998), 99.

A US study has found smoking doubles dementia and Alzheimer's disease risk, Lancet 351 (1998), 1840-3. Dopamine receptor genes may be related to ability to give up smoking, Lancet 352 (1998), 84-5. Smoking is more dangerous for black Americans, BMJ 317 (1998), 98. Letters on passive smoking and health damage are in BMJ 317 (1998), 301, 344-9; AJPH 88 (1998), 1011, 1025-9; JAMA 280 (1998), 32-33. On 14 August a US Federal Appeals Court said that the FDA did not have jurisdiction to make tobacco a drug, or monitor levels in the product. On the relationship between breast cancer, BRCA1 and tobacco, Science News 153 (1998), 325. A study of the way cigarette taxes influence sales is AJPH 88 (1998),1118-9. From 1991 to 1997 more US teenagers smoked, JAMA 280 (1998), 323-4, 1250-1; AJPH 88 (1998), 1193-8. Teenage girls start smoking to lose weight, BMJ 317 (1998), 366. Formula one sponsorship is one factor, Lancet 352 (1998), 205. A UK government report on smoking will be released to tobacco companies, NatMed 4 (1998), 872; Lancet 352 (1998), 7-8. South Africa is restricting smoking, Lancet 352 (1998), 465. The US is discussing various new tobacco bills, Lancet 351 (1998), 1869, 1941. The British Columbia government is requiring all components of cigarettes to be displayed, BMJ 317 (1998), 101. Nicotine withdrawal may be related to accident rates, Nature 394 (1998), 137.

Methods to reduce violence are being discussed as more school age acts are seen in USA, SA (Sept. 1998), 15-6. One factor there is the availability of guns, JAMA 280 (1998), 403-7, 423-7, 439-42, 471-5; NEJM 339 (1998), 565-6. The Dutch government is studying brains of boxers for damage, BMJ 317 (1998), 370. The safety of chemical police CS sprays is being questioned and an editorial called for a moratorium on their use, Lancet 352 (1998), 159. A call for doctors to be involved in suicide prevention is BMJ 317 (1998), 156-7; and in domestic violence prevention, BMJ 317 (1998), 99. Antidepressant drugs may be usually little better than placebos, NS (11 July 1998), 3, 13. A book review of The Placebo Effect is Lancet 351 (1998), 1895. A placebo needle is being added to trials of acupuncture research, Lancet 352 (1998), 364-5. There are adverse health effects of job insecurity, AJPH 88 (1998), 1030-6.

An EPA panel has concluded that EMF may be carcinogenic, BMJ 317 (1998), 12; Science 281 (1998), 21-2. Resting blood pressure increases during exposure to radio-frequency electromagnetic fields, Lancet 351 (1998), 1857-8. EMF dangers from mobile phones are discussed in Lancet 352 (1998), 576-7. Some unexplained forest fires may be caused by power line sparks, NS (25 July 1998), 20.

The seas around the UK are expected to stay radioactive for a long time, NS (1 August 1998), 22. There are high risks of damage being caused by accidents at Sellafield, Lancet 352 (1998), 44. A US project to collect babies teeth to measure radioisotope strontium-90 in the teeth is called the Tooth Fairy Project, see <www.radiation.org>. Scientists have been attempting to slow the nuclear arms race between India and Pakistan, JAMA 280 (1998), 467; Science 281 (1998), 494-5; JAMA 280 (1998), 456-61. Attempts to reduce dangers of plutonium are discussed in Nature 394 (1998), 415-6.

A review of cholesterol-lowering plant oil products is in GEN (15 Sept. 1998), 1, 14, 18. Tamoxifen can be sold in the USA but not with a claim for prevention of breast cancer, but for reducing short-term incidence of breast cancer in women at increased risk, Lancet 352 (1998), 883; BMJ 317 (1998), 697; Science News 154 (1998), 166. Viagra continues to receive much attention, and is being marketed on the Internet, Lancet 352 (1998), 751. A review of the situation in different countries is BMJ 317 (1998), 836-8. Also see JAMA 280 (1998), 119-20, 867+; BMJ 317 (1998), 759-61, 824. Benzodiazepines may reduce driver safety, Lancet 352 (1998), 1324-5, 1331-6.

Many Japanese pharmaceutical companies are carrying out clinical trials of new drugs in Europe rather than in Japan, to avoid regulations and expense, Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO; Tokyo). JETRO surveyed 64 Japanese drug companies, NatBio16 (1998), 898-9. A report on clinical trials on children in Canada is discussed in NatMed 4 (1998), 1095. Children are not just small adults, Lancet 352 (1998), 630. See also, Lancet 352 (1998), 590-1. On the European Medicines Evaluation Agency, BMJ 317 (1998), 898; and FDA, BMJ 317 (1998), 899; Nature 395 (1998), 4; JAMA 280 (1998), 187-193. Placebos are discussed in JAMA 280 (1998), 751-2; BMJ 317 (1998), 875-80.

There is accumulating evidence that transplacental exposure to cigarette smoke causes genetic damage in utero, NatMed 4 (1998), 1119-20; BMJ 317 (1998), 903 (see Fetal Environment section). The relationship between women's magazines and tobacco suggests another area for regulation, Lancet 352 (1998), 786-7. A survey in Switzerland has calculated that the annual cost of smoking per person is US$6.5 to the country, Lancet 352 (1998), 797. There has been a tobacco deal in the USA with several states and companies for compensation to the costs caused Also on US tobacco control, JAMA 280 (1998), 1173-81; 1279+. Israel has filed a suit against tobacco companies, BMJ 317 (1998), 968. Smoking can have a direct role in strokes, BMJ 317 (1998), 962-3; and on the risk of Alzheimer's disease, Lancet 352 (1998), 818-9; and hearing loss, JAMA 280 (1998), 963-5. There are differences between people and perhaps race also, JAMA 280 (1998), 152-6. A book review of For Your Own Good, a defense of smoking is Lancet 352 (1998), 745-7. A review of a Californian researchers dismissal from a contract after results were not positive for the state control program (JAMA 280 (1998), 893-9) is discussed in Nature 395 (1998), 629. Smoking cessation plans are evaluated in NEJM 339 (1998), 673-9.

The U-shaped relation for alcohol and health is discussed in Lancet 352 (1998), 877. There is still lack of clear evidence for linking specific beverages to cancers, BMJ 317 (1998), 827, 844-8; JAMA 280 (1998), 1138-9. Also on alcohol studies, JAMA 280 (1998), 166-71. Votes on medical marijuana were conducted in various US states. Some illegal drugs are being made from legal precursors, Lancet 352 (1998), 1045. Herbal medicines are going to be more tightly regulated, NS (24 Oct. 1998), 53; NEJM 337 (1998), 785-91, 839-41.

Prevention of occupational mental diseases are discussed in Lancet 352 (1998), 999; also pp. 1213-5. Long hours do increase risk of heart disease in Japan, BMJ 317 (1998), 775-80. Flight attendants may have some increased risk of breast cancer, Lancet 352 (1998), 626. The US congress has required health plans to pay for breast reconstruction, Lancet 352 (1998), 1453. On performance enhancers, BMJ 317 (1998), 702.

On food, leptin, and diet, Lancet 352 (1998), 712, 756-7; NatMed 4 (1998), 983, 1189+; BMJ 317 (1998), 553-4, 835, 1069-71; Nature 395 (1998), 231-2, 454, 763-70; NEJM 337 (1998), 719-24, 765-6, 856-7; JAMA 280 (1998), 869. On selenium may be linked to lower risk of prostrate cancer, Lancet 352 (1998), 713, 755-6. Methylmercury exposure has neurotoxicity, JAMA 280 (1998), 701-7, 737-8. A series of papers on ethics of epidemiology are in SSM 47 (1998), 1133-230+. On public health in general, Lancet 352 (1998), 903-4; BMJ 317 (1998), 549-52, 584-6; JAMA 280 (1998), 196. Prevention of lead poisoning is discussed in Science 281 (1998), 1617-8. Life expectancy in Europe has fallen, BMJ 317 (1998), 767. On firearm policy, NEJM 337 (1998), 813-8.

A report from the Netherlands Health Council on toxic substances in the workplace is reviewed in Network 13 (Dec 1998), 5-7. Landfill sites may be associated with congenital abnormalities sometimes, Lancet 352 (1998), 1705. Chemical exposures are also discussed in the Environment section above, see also JAMA 280 (1998), 1797-8; Lancet 352 (1998), 1945; AJPH 88 (1998), 1759-60. Patients from sheep dip exposure will be treated more carefully, BMJ 317 (1998), 1339; NS (14 Nov. 1998), 14. Flying foxes in Queensland are developing abnormalities, NS (21 Nov. 1998), 15. On lead levels in an urban setting in children, AJPH 88 (1998), 1837-9, 1871-7; JAMA 280 (1998), 1915-9; and children next to a battery factory were also at risk of lead poisoning, AJPH 88 (1998), 1843-5. Lead may be found in game birds, NS (2 Jan. 1999), 14. Occupational medicine is discussed in JAMA 280 (1998), 1795-6; and on the dangers of living near a steel factory, Occupational & Environmental Medicine 55 (1998), 812-22. The dangers of children exposed to traffic accidents are discussed in AJPH 88 (1998), 1840-5; and on stress disorder in victims, BMJ 317 (1998), 1619-23; and on air pollution from traffic and health in children, Occupational & Environmental Medicine 55 (1998), 771-8. Airbag safety is being improved, Science News 154 (1998), 206-7.

Moderate alcohol consumption reduces risk of myocardial infarction, Lancet 352 (1998), 1882-5. Ethanol consumption and resistance are inversely related to neuropeptide Y levels, Nature 396 (1998), 366-9. A cannabinoid dexanabinol (HU-211) may protect against head trauma, Lancet 352 (1998), 1529. Cocaine reward is regulated by a transcription factor CREB, Science 282 (1998), 2273-5. Addiction is a brain disease, Amer. J. Psychiatry 155 (1998), 711-3. On drugs that alter the mind, JAMA 280 (1998), 1873; Lancet 352 (1998), 1697-9; and welfare dependency, AJPH 88 (1998), 1616-22; MJA 169 (1998), 356-9, 404-5; and race and class factors, Columbia Law Review 98 (1998), 1795-842. On stress in farming, Occupational & Environmental Medicine 55 (1998), 729-34. Doping in sport is discussed in Lancet 352 (1998), 1781-2. A US panel has called for reexamination of the drug Ritalin used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in children, BMJ 317 (1998), 1545; NS (28 Nov. 1998), 3. A review of psychopathology in children is Amer. J. Psychiatry 155 (1998), 715-25.

Cardiovascular disease is increasing in China, NatMed 4 (1998), 1209-10; Lancet 352 (1998), 1795. Antioxidants may also help in Crete, Lancet 352 (1998), 1987-8; and nuts, BMJ 317 (1998), 1332-3, 1341-5; Science News 154 (1998), 328-9. On cholesterol destroying drugs, Science News 154 (1998), 311. In East Asia blood pressure is a stronger link to stroke than in Western countries, Lancet 352 (1998), 1801-7. On drinking and driving, Lancet 352 (1998), 1871. Methods to change behaviour are required for all health advice, NS (28 Nov. 1998), 53. Diet and cancer is discussed in Lancet 352 (1998), 1789-90; BMJ 317 (1998), 1331-2, 1636-40; Newsweek (30 Nov. 1998), 42-8. Exercise is good medicine, Lancet 352 (1998), 1999-2000; NEJM 339 (1998), 1552-3.

A gene has been found that is associated with appetite, and the peptides are called orexins. Chromosome 10 appears to have some obesity-related genes, NatGen 20 (1998), 304-8; also Clinical Genetics 54 (1998), 385-895. On obesity mechanisms, BMJ 317 (1998), 1607-8. Food labels are being used by 43% of women and 27% of men in a US study, FDA Consumer (Nov. 1998)., 4. Not all the claims of foods are truthful however, FDA Consumer (Nov. 1998), 16-21. Low calorie diets may slow monkey aging, Science 282 (1998), 1018. Until now, red wine has been the cardioprotective beverage of choice, but the convenience and lack of adverse effects make beer a more cost-effective, safe and widely available choice, CMAJ 159 (1998), 1463-6.

Two studies suggest one third of Chinese men will die from tobacco-related deaths, BMJ 317 (1998), 1399-40, 1411-24; Lancet 352 (1998), 1683; NS (28 Nov. 1998), 18-9. There was also a UK government report, called "Smoking kills", Lancet 352 (1998), 1991; and there are calls to mention smoking as a cause of death on death certificates, BMJ 317 (1998), 1456. A letter calling it an ethical obligation to advise patients to quit smoking is BMJ 317 (1998), 1588. Doctors have also called for the level of nicotine to be reduced to non-addictive levels, BMJ 317 (1998), 1271. Nicotine replacement therapy should be covered by health systems, BMJ 317 (1998), 1266-7. Another drug may reduce nicotine craving, called gamma vinyl-GABA; Science 282 (1998), 1797-8; Synapse (Jan. 1999).

The price of a pack of cigarettes in the USA has risen by 50 cents following the deal on a US$206 billion settlement with 46 states, Lancet 352 (1998), 1765, 1839. In the UK some cancer patients are sueing companies, BMJ 317 (1998), 1614. In 1998 tobacco companies had to open about 30 million pages of closed documents, which revealed many secrets on strategies, NS (2 Jan. 1999), 30-1. US students are smoking more cigarettes, JAMA 280 (1998), 1673-8; BMJ 317 (1998), 1405. Community efforts may be needed, AJPH 88 (1998), 1658-63. The WHO has issued Guidelines for Controlling and Monitoring the Tobacco Epidemic (WHO, 1998, 200pp. ISBN 92-4-154508-9). On smoking and tax, BMJ 317 (1998), 1339. South Africa has banned advertising of tobacco, Lancet 352 (1998), 1609. Tobacco laws are discussed in AJPH 88 (1998), 1606-7. Nonsmoking restaurants are still associated with cooking emissions, AJPH 88 (1998), 1834-6; but still health of workers has improved, JAMA 280 (1998), 1909-14. A study of smoking and DNA adduct levels is FASEB J. 12 (1998), 1409-17. Identifying people at risk is a challenge, JAMA 280 (1998), 1947-9.

A review of trends in alternative medicine use in the USA is JAMA 280 (1998), 1554-6, 1569-75, 1616-7, 1626-8, 1635; Science 282 (1998), 2175-6; BMJ 317 (1998), 1270. The ethical obligations of providing alternative medicines are discussed in JAMA 280 (1998), 1623-5. Acupuncture has been accepted in USA for some therapies, Lancet 352 (1998), siv1. Phytooestrogens are very popular, Lancet 352 (1998), 1762. Adverse effects of cannibis are discussed in Lancet 352 (1998), 1565, 1610-6; BMJ 317 (1998), 1394; while some medical trials continue, Nature 396 (1998), 206; NS (14 Nov. 1998), 3. Genetic factors may determine if someone will be a heavy user, Amer. J. Psychiatry 155 (1998), 1016-22. Herbal plants also have implications for the biotech industry, GEN (1 Nov. 1998), 1, 10, 26, 40. Though one of the supporters of herbals has said that none is as safe or effective as standard drugs, Probe VII (No. 2, Dec 1998), 1, 8. Chinese herbal medicine may help irritable bowel syndrome however, JAMA 280 (1998), 1585-9; Lancet 352 (1998), 1605. Some supplements are associated with disease, FDA Consumer (Sept. 1998), 34-5. Aspirin is being recommended for heart disease and stroke by the FDA, BMJ 317 (1998), 1176. On FDA regulation, Science 282 (1998), 1263. A FDA-style agency may be developed after reforms in Japan, NatBio 17 (1999), 7.

On clinical trials: Studdert, DM. & Brennan, TA. "Clinical trials in developing countries: scientific and ethical issues", MJA 169 (1998), 545-8; Edwards, SJL et al. "The ethics of randomized controlled trials from the perspectives of patients, the public, and healthcare professionals", BMJ 317 (1998), 1209-12. Tsutani, K. "General view of clinical trials and GCP in East Asia", Drug Information J. 31 (1997), 1057-64; Lancet 352 (1998), 1217-20, 1243-5, 1767-70; BMJ 317 (1998), 1170-2, 1177-80, 1191-2000. Adverse reactions to drugs can be reported by Email, mail or fax, FDA Consumer (Nov 1998), 7-9. Internet marketing can be dangerous, and it is possible to buy human male/female pheromone attractants, and they are advertised on the Internet, <http://www.angelfire. com/fl/beaches69/index.html>.

Dow Corning has released details of the proposed breast-implant settlement, which sets up a US$3.2 billion fund for 170,000 women involved in injury claims, Lancet 352 (1998), 1688. At the same time a scientific panel has suggested that only a few cases of the diseases would be caused by the implants, Science 282 (1998), 1963, 1965. Public health is general is discussed in Public Health 112 (1998), 283-5. A group of 13 Barcelona doctors have been charged with fraud for claiming more expensive drug costs from the government than they paid, BMJ 317 (1998), 1616. The question why patients do not take their pills for hypertension is debated in CMAJ 160 (1999), 64-5.

A consistent risk of EMF fields and childhood leukemia is reported in AJPH 88 (1998), 1787-94. People are trying to combat noise pollution from cell phones with radiofrequency emitters that jam the signals, promoting more pollution of the radiowaves, NS (12 Dec. 1998), 6. On health risks of radiation, Nature 396 (1998), 402. The Yucca mountain depository is reviewed in Nature 396 (1998), 497, 500. There are fears of an accident at the UK nuclear waste repositories, NS (2 Jan. 1999), 7. Nuclear safety standards should also protect plants and animals, NS (12 Dec. 1998), 27. A plant that goes blue when radiated has been developed, NS (28 Nov. 1998), 22. Cells that escape a direct hit from radiation are still altered by it, NS (5 Dec. 1998), 22. Scottish sheep farms are still contaminated with Chernobyl fallout, NS (21 Nov. 1998), 12.

On drug approval in Europe, NatBio 17 (1999), 237-40. There is concern that a number of drugs used on children have only been tested on adults, BMJ 318 (1999), 554; NS (20 Feb. 1999), 18-9. On drug-testing for cancer, SA (Feb 1999), 19, 22. The needs for postmarketing surveillance are discussed in JAMA 281 (1999), 824-29; 830, 841. The question of testing poisons on human volunteers is being debated by the EPA, Science 283 (1999), 18-9. A fluorescent jellyfish gene is being used as a marker for carcinogens, NS (20 Feb. 1999), 7. A review of Prozac Diary is Lancet 353 (1999), 155-6. On psychological stress among international business travelers, Occup. Environ. Med. 56 (1999), 245-52.

A book review of Salt, Diet and Health is Lancet 353 (1999), 597-8. Papers on salt include MJA 170 (1999), 174-9. On coronary disease risks, AJPH 89 (1999), 379-82; JAMA 281 (1999), 1291-7. One risk factor is depressive illness, BMJ 318 (1999), 826; another is poor prenatal nutrition, BMJ 318 (1999), 427-31. There is concern that statins may not be prescribed for the people who rely need them, BMJ 318 (1999), 827. A paper on platelets and wine ethanol is Lancet 353 (1999), 1067. Angiogenesis is inhibited by drinking tea, Nature 398 (1999), 381. A US report has recommended the use of marijuana for some pain control, but this has been rejected, Lancet 353 (1999), 1077; NS (27 March 1999), 14. Early infection, e.g. through nursery contact, may protect against allergies in later life, Lancet 352 (1998), 450-4.

Increased grain intake reduces mortality, AJPH 89 (1999), 322-9. On antioxidant vitamins, AJPH 89 (1999), 289-91; and vitamin A and B, BMJ 318 (1999), 551-2. There are safe limits to consumption but they are not well defined, NS (27 Feb. 1999), 18-9. On fat intake, FDA Consumer (Jan 1999), 23-7. Frequent dieting can expose people to toxic chemicals, NS (30 Jan. 1999), 13. Overcooking of meat results in increased breast cancer risk, Science News 154 (1998), 341; and on meat and cancer, Lancet 353 (1999), 686-7. Endostatin has been confirmed as a tumour shrinker, Nature 397 (1999), 597. On exercise, JAMA 281 (1999), 327-34, 335-40, 375. A special report WHO Technical Series 883, titled Food Safety Issues Associated with products from Aquaculture 50pp., has been released (WHO 1999). On sprouts and food safety, FDA Consumer (Jan 1999), 18-22.

On occupational safety, BMJ 318 (1999), 1015; Occup. Environ. Med. 56 (1999), 145-51; MJA 170 (1999), 150-1. An unlicensed ingredient of the vaccine mix may have caused Gulf War syndrome, NS (10 April 1999), 5; BMJ 318 (1999), 274-5; Lancet 353 (1999), 169-78, 179-82. In general on public health, JAMA 281 (1999), 1030-3; and promoting children's health, AJPH 89 (1999), 155-7. Giving food cooked in iron pots can help reduce iron deficiency, Lancet 353 (1999), 712-6, 690. The benefits of hand washing are great for health care workers, BMJ 318 (1999), 686. A call for increased health literacy is JAMA 281 (1999), 552-7.

A survey of EMF from cellular telephone repeaters is Thansandote, A. et al. "Radiofrequency radiation in five Vancouver schools: exposure standards not exceeded", CMAJ 160 (1999), 1311-2, 1318-9; and on the growing fear, NS (10 April 1999), 3. Russian research has identified a number of potential hazards to food safety caused by microwave ovens, ENDS (1 Nov. 1999), 24; Environment & Health News 12 (March 1999), 9-10. A small study finding no link between EMF and fertility is Occup. Environ. Med. 56 (1999), 253-5; however a study has found men who worked in the presence of strong EMF fields may have 3 times higher heart disease risk, Science News 155 (1999), 70; Amer. J. Epidemiology (15 Jan. 1999). On radon and lung cancer, AJPH 89 (1999), 351-7. On mobile phones, NS (27 Feb. 1999), 20-5.

The use of depleted uranium as a hardener for military vehicle armour and for bullets has led to growing concerns on the exposure of persons to the radiation from it, Environment & Health News 12 (March 1999), 1. The health affects on nuclear test veterans are still being addressed in the UK and Australia, Lancet 353 (1999), 299. Nuclear waste storage is discussed in NS (16 Jan. 1999), 12, 30-33; (27 March 1999), 3, 22-3; Science 283 (1999), 158-9, 1626-7; Nature 398 (1999), 271, 357, 645. On recovery from Chernobyl accident, NS (10 April 1999), 7.

Papers on silicone breast implants and health are AJPH 89 (1999), 483, 484-9; BMJ 318 (1999), 414; Bernstein, DE. "The breast implant fiasco", California Law Review 87 (1999), 457-510. Implants containing soy oil have been withdrawn in the UK, Lancet 353 (1999), 903. On cosmetic surgery, BMJ 318 (1999), 512-6. The American Academy of Pediatrics has concluded that circumcision is not to be routinely recommend, JAMA 281 (1999), 1075.

A paper finding that smoking is associated with poorer mental health and calling for careful cessation to restore health is MJA 170 (1999), 74-7. On anti-smoking campaigns, AJPH 89 (1999), 346-50; Lancet 353 (1999), 388, 909; BMJ 318 (1999), 892; NEJM 340 (1999), 572-3. Tobacco and alcohol use is found in two thirds of G-rated children animated films, JAMA 281 (1999), 1131-6. On the long history of a tobacco industry public relations journalist, Probe 7 (1 April 1999), 1, 3-7. The industry had methods to reduce risks to health but did not use them, NS (6 March 1999), 3, 4-5. In general on risks, NatMed 5 (1999), 15-7; Bulletin WHO 77 (1999), 82-3; NEJM 340 (1999), 920-6, 958-9; JAMA 281 (1999), 1019-21; BMJ 318 (1999), 891. On drug addiction, Nature 398 (1999), 567-70; heroin addiction, MJA 170 (1999), 129-30; and nicotine addiction, NS (16 Jan. 1999), 3. The prevalence of smoking among pregnant women is lower in Italy than in England, BMJ 318 (1999), 1012. A terminally ill patient was awarded US$50 million in damages against Philip Morris company, who have said they will appeal, BMJ 318 (1999), 481. Some cancer centers are trying to obtain money from the US tobacco settlement, NatMed 5 (1999), 10. On the question of whether tobacco money should be used for research, NatMed 5 (1999), 125, 129.