Re: cancer rates (was: e: How do you calm down the hot-heads?)

From: Robbie Lindauer (robblin@thetip.org)
Date: Thu Sep 11 2003 - 22:31:29 MDT

  • Next message: Robbie Lindauer: "Re: How do you calm down the hot-heads?"

    On Thursday, September 11, 2003, at 06:53 PM, Samantha Atkins wrote:

    >> We KNOW that the
    >> pollutants cause cancer.
    >
    > Actually, we don't KNOW any such thing in enough detail to imply that
    > is the
    > only or primary reason for a higher observed cancer rate. Cancer can
    > and
    > does occur even without any pollutants.

    Well, the CDC and most doctors know this.

    Quick quiz:
    Which is more likely to cause cancer:
    _extended exposure to tar
    _being over 95

    Which is more likely to cause cancer:
    _ Being over 35
    _ Being a long-term Smoker over 35

    Which is more likely to cause cancer:
    _ Exposure to radioactive materials
    _ genetic disposition to cancer

    >> We don't KNOW that age does.
    >
    > Strawman. No one said age *causes* cancer. It is not precise to say
    > that
    > pollution causes cancer either.

    Strawman - I said it was tautological that if length of exposure to
    toxic materials is likely to cause cancer than getting older in an
    environment in which there are such materials is ipso facto more likely
    to cause cancer. This means that age should only be considered a
    factor if there is a control group (lots of old people without cancer).
      In fact, there is a control group - lots of old people without cancer.

    Best,

    Robbie

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