Cancer report rejected by AMA
By ROHAN WADE
02mar05
A REPORT linking chemical contamination of drinking water with increased cancer rates in the state’s North-East has been rejected by Australia’s peak medical body.

The Australian Medical Association said the report, compiled by St Helens general practitioner Alison Bleaney and Sydney-based ecologist Marcus Scammell, had serious methodology flaws.

“The document fails to demonstrate increased evidence of adverse health effects, including cancer rates in the St Helens region of Tasmania,” AMA state president Michael Aizen said.

But despite dismissing the report, Dr Aizen said the AMA still wanted water quality treated as a national health issue and supported a precautionary principle of limiting chemical use in water catchments.

The full story: Cancer report rejected by AMA