Truth must be told over the cause of leukaemia

David Hockney, artist Dean Koontz, novelist, OJ Simpson, former actor and American football player, Jimmy Smits, actor, Marc Almond, singer Tom Hanks, actor, Kelly McGillis, actress, Jim Kerr, singer Courtney Love, singer/actress, Jack White, musician RECENT medical research and media reports saying that contracting leukaemia is just bad luck are very misleading.

Many of the causes of the over 100 known types of leukaemia have been known since the 19th century, when benzene was a recognised cause.

Paul Erlich, the German doctor who developed drugs which cause leukaemia, noticed the effects in 1888.

I was diagnosed with a form of leukaemia in 1986 following exposure to toxic chemicals and answers to questions I had asked in Parliament on 11.1.1989 (see Hansard), listed nearly 200 prescribed drugs, many chemicals and ionising radiation as known causes.

Some of the worst offending drugs and chemicals have since been restricted or banned. Marie Curie and one of her daughters, both exposed to X-rays, died of types of leukaemia.

I have helped with evidence showing proof of a cause and effect which has led to successful claims for compensation.

Exposure to causative agents causes cell mutations which, as they accumulate, another, sometimes quite small exposure, can trigger off leukaemia or another cancer. The mutations can be passed on from parents to children. Older people with more exposures in life have higher risks.

Unless we admit the causes, as was done with asbestos after many decades after it was know the effects it was having, we can never have any real cancer prevention. EACH week West Yorkshire Police ask Examiner readers to help solve a number of crimes.

They want assistance in identifying people who are pictured on CCTV who could provide help in their investigations into incidents of criminal behaviour.

Given that the images posted are generally of poor quality, it does make you think about how many of the individuals are found and are charged. Could West Yorkshire Police provide information in percentage terms?

Then “Joe Public” could engage with more enthusiasm.

It truly amazes me that insurance companies offer cover for theft to whatever level without requesting new innovative CCTV equipment which will produce and provide clear images of those persons the police need to speak to while investigating a particular crime.

The CCTV equipment that provides clear imagery will of course be more costly, in terms of installation and maintenance.

With a greater probability those identified will be found by the police and prosecuted, criminals will give your premises a wide birth.

This will lead to a reduction in your annual insurance premiums, reducing the overall cost of your new and innovative CCTV system.

I look forward to reading West Yorkshire Police’s feedback on the detection ratio.