The Modelling Paradox: How to Reach the Majority?
Abstract
EditorialThe Modelling Paradox: How to Reach the Majority? SAGE Publications, Inc.1993DOI: 10.1177/1420326X9300200201 D.F.Weetman Sunderland, UK The 'nominal deaths' [ 1 ] each year due to exposure to radon are claimed to be 2,500 in Britain [2] and 21,600 in the USA [3]. Many other indoor air pollutants that can be implicated from epidemiological findings also exact tolls of 'nominal deaths'. Why do we see such number of deaths quoted repeatedly in the media ? From the journalists' point of view, they provide a good story, but who is prompting the journalists? Who is trying to scare the ordinary person, and why? Lung cancer is a useful disease for frightening the general public into doing something about indoor air pollution. Because there is still no way of knowing what caused any given lung cancer from an examination of the tumour, there are many possible causes, and each group of activists can claim some cases for the pollutant of their choice in bringing pressure to regulate it, or by attempts to educate, or exhort others into a healthier life style, as perceived by the activists. However, lung cancer in non-smokers is an uncommon disease and mainly afflicts the elderly (>