Underestimating effects: Why causation probabilities need to be replaced in regulation, policy, and the law
By Sander Greenland | May 1, 2012
Causation probabilities are often a component of decisions on awarding compensation for radiation exposure and descriptions of the number of cancers caused by radiation releases. In many instances, the use of epidemiologic data to calculate such probabilities may seriously underestimate the number of people harmed and the percentage of cancers induced or accelerated by the radiation exposure. Epidemiologic studies can more reliably underpin systems that award compensation using years of healthy life lost due to the exposure. Such a system has its own imprecisions but is more scientifically supportable than using causation probabilities to award compensation.
Together, we make the world safer.
The Bulletin elevates expert voices above the noise. But as an independent nonprofit organization, our operations depend on the support of readers like you. Help us continue to deliver quality journalism that holds leaders accountable. Your support of our work at any level is important. In return, we promise our coverage will be understandable, influential, vigilant, solution-oriented, and fair-minded. Together we can make a difference.
Issue: Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists Volume 68 Issue 3
Keywords: attributable fraction, causation, compensation, epidemiology, exposure, probability of causation, radiation, risk
Topics: Uncategorized
Get alerts about this thread
0 Comments
Oldest
Sander Greenland
Sander Greenland is Professor of Epidemiology and Statistics at the University of California, Los Angeles. He has specialized in... Read More
