Polio v DDT (was epidemics)
Posted: Wed Feb 08, 2006 3:09 pm
Dear Sheri
One of the time line graphs shows the relationship between DDT and Polio.
It is implied that Polio is caused by DDT. Although we also know that
correlation does not NECESSARILY indicate cause.
As human breast milk typically has more DDT in it than cow's milk, one would
expect on this basis for more breast fed babies to be affected by polio than
bottle fed babies.
Of course the last major epidemic was in mid 1950's - Are any statistics
available.
Also the polio crisis if I am not mistaken was a pandemic in line with DDT
usage, but another question that arises is that although DDT usage was
curtailed one would expect its levels to remain in the environment. Given
that, the expectation would be that polio cases would remain high.
So what is the explanation?
Rgds
Soroush
One of the time line graphs shows the relationship between DDT and Polio.
It is implied that Polio is caused by DDT. Although we also know that
correlation does not NECESSARILY indicate cause.
As human breast milk typically has more DDT in it than cow's milk, one would
expect on this basis for more breast fed babies to be affected by polio than
bottle fed babies.
Of course the last major epidemic was in mid 1950's - Are any statistics
available.
Also the polio crisis if I am not mistaken was a pandemic in line with DDT
usage, but another question that arises is that although DDT usage was
curtailed one would expect its levels to remain in the environment. Given
that, the expectation would be that polio cases would remain high.
So what is the explanation?
Rgds
Soroush