This email response from Sally Haw is fairly easily spotted even out of context as hogwash and all comments are welcome. Perhaps we shall send a compilation of comments from
the PCSD blog compiled by Professor Sir Gasdoc-Marlboro-Light.
Sally Haw is A Senior Public Health Advisor to the NHS in Scotland. She wrote the following to Belinda, the Emeritus Junior Junk Science Correspondent to PSCD.
Dear Belinda,
The interpretation of relative risk values can be complicated and in general it is unwise to use 'rules of thumb' . In the case of
exposure to second hand smoke - as well as consistency in the data across a number of studies, there is a plausible biological mechanism and clear evidence of a dose response relationship between exposure and disease. Taking these things into account scientific consensus both within the UK and internationally is that exposure to secondhand smoke is associated with an increased risk of coronary heart disease and lung cancer. In addition, as the prevalence of passive smoking in the population is comparatively high 30% excess risk is unacceptable. Levels of exposure to secondhand smoke can be modified hence the recent implementation of the smoke-free legislation in Scotland.I hope this is helpful.
Yours sincerely,
Sally Haw
Senior Public Health Advisor.
NHS Health Scotland
Rosebery House
9 Haymarket Terrace
Edinburgh
EH12 5EZ
Tel: + 44 (0)131 537 4709
Fax: +44 (0)131 537 4701
Email: Sally.Haw@health.scot.nhs.uk
I have included all Sally's contact details for those of you who would like to make friends with her.
