North Texas Skeptic - Vol 09 No 09 - 1995

Magazine Overview

The Newsletter of The North Texas Skeptics, Volume 9, Number 9, dated September 1995, features a cover headline of "Currents of Fear" and includes articles on healthy skepticism, a live radio appearance, and a statement from the American Physical Society (APS).

Currents of Fear

This main article, written by John Blanton, reviews Paul Brodeur's book "The Great Power-Line Cover-up" and the PBS television series "Frontline" episode titled "Currents of Fear." Brodeur's work posits that man-made electromagnetic fields (EMFs) from power lines are a cause of cancer in humans. The article details the case of Meadow Street in Guilford, CT, where residents attributed a high incidence of cancer to a nearby electric substation. It also mentions other sites like Slater Elementary School in Fresno, California, and Essex County Vocational Technical High School in West Caldwell, New Jersey, which are located near high-voltage transmission lines.

The article highlights the efforts of residents, such as those in Omaha, Nebraska, to correlate cancer incidence with the presence of power lines using ZIP code surveys. However, it contrasts these anecdotal and correlational findings with the scientific community's skepticism. Physicists like William R. Bennett, Jr., from Yale University, point out that the fields in question are minuscule compared to the Earth's magnetic field. The American Physical Society (APS) released a statement in April 1995 declaring that purported health effects of power line fields have not been scientifically substantiated and that the cost of mitigation and litigation is incommensurate with the risk.

The article critically examines the statistical methods used in studies, referencing the "multiple comparisons fallacy" as a potential explanation for seemingly significant correlations found in small, isolated samples. It illustrates this with computer simulations showing how random noise can obscure or mimic a signal. The article also summarizes several scientific tests conducted under controlled conditions, including studies on fetal abnormalities, reproductive cycles, lymphoma production in mice, cancer genes, melatonin levels, and pregnant women using electric blankets, all of which reportedly found no link to EMFs.

Paul Brodeur is presented as a journalist who has made EMFs and cancer a personal crusade, drawing parallels to his earlier work on asbestos. The article notes that while the link between EMFs and health is a new area of study, scientific tests continue to yield negative results.

Information is provided on how to obtain transcripts and videos of the Frontline program, as well as references to articles and statements from the APS and Physics Today.

Healthy Skepticism

Written by Tim Gorski, M.D., this section appears to be a brief introduction to a topic that is not fully detailed in the provided scan. It is followed by several short news items.

Silicone implants cleared again

A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM 332:1666, 1995) by Harvard Medical School researchers failed to establish an association between silicone breast implants and connective tissue disorders or symptoms. The study analyzed data from the Nurses Health Study and found no increased risk among women with implants.

FTC nixes facilitated communication devices

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) obtained consent decrees against companies marketing devices that used Facilitated Communication, a controversial method resembling a Ouija board, as aids for autistic individuals. The companies are now prohibited from promoting these devices for such purposes.

New director takes charge of NIH OAM

Wayne B. Jonas, M.D., has been appointed as the new director of the Office of Alternative Medicine (OAM) at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). His background in homeopathy and alternative methods raises questions about whether he will ensure strict scientific methodology or allow the office to become a platform for quackery.

Kombucha tea rises to popularity

The article discusses the growing popularity of Kombucha "mushroom" tea, a fermented brew. It highlights unsubstantiated health claims and raises safety concerns, including potential contamination with Aspergillus (which produces aflatoxin B), the development of antibiotic resistance, and the presence of plant acids. A recent report of a death in Spencer, Iowa, possibly linked to Kombucha consumption, is mentioned.

Fennel oil toxic, tea OK

While fennel seeds are a common folk remedy, the volatile oil extracted from them is not recommended for medicinal use. Small quantities of the oil have been reported to cause vomiting, seizures, and respiratory problems. The article clarifies that the tea itself is generally considered safe.

This section is provided by the Dallas/Fort Worth Council Against Health Fraud.

Friday night, live!

Written by John Blanton, this article recounts the experience of being interviewed on "The Evening Talk Show," a live radio program hosted by Glenn Mitchell on KERA-FM. Blanton, along with Joe Voelkering and John Thomas, discussed the Skeptics' organization and its purpose. The segment involved audience phone calls, and surprisingly, there were no hate calls, which Blanton had anticipated given the content of some letters to The Dallas Morning News.

From the APS

This section presents the full statement adopted by the APS Council in April 1995 regarding EMFs and public health. The statement reiterates that purported health effects of power line fields are not scientifically substantiated and that the costs associated with addressing these perceived risks are disproportionate. It emphasizes the lack of consistent scientific evidence and plausible biophysical mechanisms linking EMFs to cancer. The APS notes that unsubstantiated claims have led to significant financial burdens through mitigation efforts and court proceedings, diverting resources from more serious environmental problems.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout this issue is the critical examination of claims that lack robust scientific evidence, particularly concerning health risks. The North Texas Skeptics, through its newsletter, advocates for a skeptical approach, emphasizing the importance of scientific methodology, statistical validity, and peer-reviewed research. The editorial stance is clearly against unsubstantiated fears and the promotion of unproven remedies, advocating for evidence-based conclusions and responsible allocation of resources for genuine environmental and health concerns.