ML20101K342
| ML20101K342 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Site: | Crane  |
| Issue date: | 12/17/1984 |
| From: | Molholt B AFFILIATION NOT ASSIGNED |
| To: | Caldwell G CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL, ATLANTA, GA |
| References | |
| CON-#484-852 SP, NUDOCS 8412310312 | |
| Download: ML20101K342 (1) | |
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h-Hatfield, PA 19440 17 December 1198(.EG
.I uw Dr. Glyn Caldwell Centers for Disease Control
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1600 Clifton Road Atlanta, GA 30333 of/ ICE Or 5!n tiAn*
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Re: Review of Aamodt Study for NRC 00caETgtgEsvici, i
Dear Dr. Caldwell,
g g81984 Your name is mentioned in NRC correspondence concerning.GDC's review of the Aamodt cancer mortality study near TMI.
I write you concerning the negative review your agency has given the Aamodt study such that the NRC is' quoted as calling it " based entirely on recollections and opiniuns and (has) no scientific basis."
Having reviewed the Aamodt study and having some expertise in epidemiology, I am puzzled as to why CDC dismissed their preliminary findings so hastily.' Although obviously in need of followup, the Aamodt study is credible 17 several important scientific manners:
1)
All cancer deaths were reconfirmed after the survey was completed.
2)
Dr. John Cobb has obtained 12 out of the 20 death certificates in question and has i'ound that 12 out of 12 attributed to cancer indeed died of cancer as primary cause.
3)
The population base was large enough that the SMR of 5 (4 expected, 20 found) is statistically signi-ficant at the 95% confidence level.
A true independent review of the Aamodt study by CDC would entail an analysis of cancer mortality frequency since 1979 in a
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1arger area than surveyed by the Aamodts. Obviously, CDC has this capability.
It might be fruitful to examine cancer mortality rates for census tracts in the TMI area 1974-79 v. 1979-84.
The surprising fivefold increased cancer mortality rates dis-i covered by the Aamodts in their preliminary survey called into question NRC dose assessments from the TMI accident. Hence, it is circuitous to dismiss their preliminary findings on the basis that low radiation doses make such an increase in cancer mortalities untenable.
The Aamodt study deserves careful followup and a truly independent review.
I would appreciate it if the CDC would take this mandate seriously, as protectors and advisors to our public concerning their health.
Yours sincerel,
fj({GC ruce Molholt, Ph.D.
James 0. Mason,M.D.,Ph.D./
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cc:
Nunzio J. Palladino, Ph.D.
tYONO D
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