Research Papers
Narconon is notable for standing aside from the normal process
of medical research and development (epidemiology, as it is known). There
is an extreme shortage of scientific literature on its methods; a researcher
will have problems finding assessments in mainstream scientific and medical
publications, and only a very few scientists or doctors worldwide have lent
their names to such assessments. As a percentage of the scientific profession,
Narconon's supporters are a vanishingly small number, few with any clout.
This lack of a serious profile in mainstream science is a real oddity, as
most medically oriented treatment regimes are happy - indeed, often eager
- to undergo review and assessment. It appears not to be a result of mainstream
medicine rejecting Narconon's submissions but, reportedly, has been caused
by Narconon itself declining to subject itself to the normal scientific process.
It has had every opportunity to submit its researches to the mainstream medical
journals but appears not to have done so.
Like other branches of science, medical science relies on
falsifiable hypotheses, reproducible experiments
and peer review. Science typically starts off with a hypothesis
such as "the Earth is round" or "species evolve over time"
and then attempts not only to prove but also to disprove ("falsify")
it. If a theory cannot be disproved, it is accepted as a working explanation
until such time as something better comes along, assuming it ever does. Newton's
theory of gravity was accepted and universally used until Einstein provided
a better explanation of the same phenomenon 250 years later. Darwin's theory
of natural selection, which seems so universal now, was actually one of a
number of competing theories - and not even the favourite - until the discovery
of genetics provided a very strong degree of corroboration. Although L. Ron
Hubbard was not exactly in Newton or Darwin's class, he too produced a number
of falsifiable hypotheses, concerning the nature of drug addiction and its
physical consequences. Narconon is not known to have made any effort to test
these hypotheses; it has plenty of "evidence" to back up its claims
that Hubbard's approach is valid, but it does not make any response to the
numerous independent medical experts who have identified errors other than
to reject them out of hand.
Reproducible experiments are equally important.
A claimed scientific discovery is useless unless it is capable of being replicated
independently by other researchers using the same methods. As Hubbard's friend,
fellow science-fiction writer and biochemist Isaac Asimov put it in one of
his books, science's great advantage over magic spells and appeals to deities
is that it is guaranteed to work every time, assuming that everything is working
properly and done in the right way. Indeed, claimed reproducibility is a core
element of Scientology. Hubbard and his successors repeatedly emphasize that
if done according to "standard tech", the sought-for results will
be obtained time and again. If an experiment is not reproducible,
it invariably sinks the claims of its originators. A classic example is that
of the notorious "cold fusion" theory proposed in the early 1990s,
when other researchers were unable to replicate the results of Fleischman
and Pons, the scientists who proposed the theory. In the case of Narconon,
no attempt appears to have been made by independent researchers to corroborate
the validity of its theories and methods by applying them away from the influence
of Narconon. There is some doubt as to whether this would even be possible,
as Narconon's methods and written materials are very strictly controlled by
its parent body (and, by proxy, the Church of Scientology); it has certainly
shown no willingness to share its source materials with others. It is significant
in this context that the "Hubbard detoxification method" used by
Narconon appears to only be in use by Narconon, the Church of Scientology
and a handful of other organisations affiliated with Scientology-related groups.
Peer review is the third major pillar of
scientific research. It has a number of functions, but often the most important
is error- and fact-checking. A paper that has undergone peer review will have
been read and commented upon by some other respected scientists knowledgeable
in the field, and the reviewers will have approved the quality of the experimental
design and controls, the validity of the logic used to argue the author's
position and whatever else they think may be relevant. It is essentially a
quality assurance process, the most important available in the scientific
community. It is not uncommon that papers are rejected, in which case they
are returned to the authors with a list of suggested improvements. If a paper
appears in, say, Nature, it will have gone through the magazine's
strict peer review process; its assertions may be disprovable at a later point
but readers will know that it has at least been arrived at through a strict
scientific process and can therefore be tested (and subjected to disproof)
through further scientific enquiry. The same assurance is not available to
readers of Narconon's claims. The results of assessments of Narconon's theoretical
basis have mostly been published in non-peer-reviewed forums such as the proceedings
of various conferences. Although multiple researchers have been involved,
they very often have undisclosed links to Scientology (indeed, they are often
Scientologists themselves - an issue discussed in ("Narconon's
Supporters"). There are good reasons to believe that this ideological
connection undermines, to the point of destruction, their independence and
ability to be objective.
The Authors
Considering that addiction therapy is a particularly well-funded
and investigated area of medicine, it is surprising that so few people appear
to have been involved in studying Hubbard's detoxification programmes. Only
21 people have been named by Narconon and the "International Academy
of Detoxification Specialists", a pro-Hubbard group, as authors of papers
concerning the Hubbard methodology. Five of this group of 21 are responsible
for a remarkable 62% of all the papers (see pie chart below). However, the
PubMed database shows that their contribution to the medical literature on
other matters has been minimal if it exists at all. Megan Shields, for instance,
has contributed to a fifth of all the papers published on the subject but
appears to have published nothing else. On the other hand, occasional or one-off
contributors like Z. Tretjak or D.L. Curtis have a fairly well-established
publishing history.
(Click on the blue underlined text to see more information
about the individual concerned)
The Papers
The earliest scientific paper published on the Hubbard detoxification
method dates only to 1982, despite the fact that Narconon was founded in 1966
and developed into its present form in the mid-1970s. None of L. Ron Hubbard's
original research has ever been published. This is true for Scientology as
well, and it seems very unlikely that in either case will the research see
the light of day. The Scientologists have never needed hard evidence to convince
themselves of the veracity of Hubbard's claims, but it is likely that the
increasing scepticism of the outside world meant that they felt a need for
scientific cover.
The Foundation for Advancements in Science and Education
was formed in 1981 with the explicit purpose to "research the efficacy
of and promote the works of L. Ron Hubbard in the solving of social problems;
and to scientifically research and provide public information and education
concerning the efficacy of other programs", according to its incorporation
paper - mention of Hubbard was later removed but the FASE continues to push
a strongly Hubbardist line and many of its senior management appear to be
Scientologists.
Another major boost to the production of research papers
appears to have followed on the creation in 1988 of the Association for Better
Living and Education, Narconon's parent organisation and an integral "sector"
of the Scientology conglomerate. As many papers were produced in 1989-90 as
in the whole of the previous 28 years (see the graph below). Even so, the
absolute numbers are still pretty small. Nineteen papers on the Hubbard method
were produced between 1966 and 1996. In the same period, the PubMed database
shows that more than 9,000 other papers on detoxification were produced (and
it will be recalled that two-thirds of the Hubbard papers were authored by
the same five individuals). This illustrates powerfully just how marginal
the Hubbard method is in terms of recognition or support.
Bibliography
The following is a list of all known research papers published
on the subject of the "Hubbard detoxification method" - often meaning
the Church of Scientology's "Purification Rundown", but as this
is functionally identical to Narconon's version, the papers are equally applicable
thereto.
We hope to obtain reviews of the papers below, and will
add them as we receive them. If you can contribute to this exercise, please
contact us.
Abstract
One hundred and three individuals
undergoing detoxification with the Hubbard procedure volunteered to undergo
additional physical and psychological tests concomitant with the program.
Participants had been exposed to recreational (abused) and medical drugs,
patent medicines, occupational and environmental chemicals. Patients with
high blood pressure had a mean reduction of 30.8 mm systolic, 23.3 mm
diastolic; cholesterol level mean reduction was 19.5 mg/ 100 ml, while
triglycerides did not change. Completion of the detoxification program
also resulted in improvements in psychological test scores, with a mean
increase in Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale IQ of 6.7 points. Scores
on Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory profiles decreased on Scales
(4-7) where high scores are associated with amoral and asocial personalities,
psychopathic behavior and paranoia. Medical complications resulting from
detoxification were rare, occurring in less than three percent of the
subjects.
Author(s)
D.W. Schnare, G. Denk, M. Shields,
S. Brunton
Publication
Medical Hypothesis, Vol.9
Date
1982
Peer-reviewed?
No
Comments
Abstract
With human exposure to ubiquitous
environmental contaminants inevitable despite the best application of
environmental laws and protection technologies, interest has grown in
the potential to reduce the levels of contamination carried in the human
host. As the predominant storage compartment within the human body is
the fat, techniques have been developed to mobilize fat stored contaminants
and enhance their excretion through metabolic and non-metabolic pathways.
The study reported herein presents data on the effectiveness of the Hubbard
technique in reducing body burdens of polychlorinated and polybrominated
biphenyls (PCB's and PBB'S) as well as chlorinated pesticides.
Author(s)
D.W. Schnare, Max Ben, Peya Carmi
Robinson, Megan G. Shields, Gene Denk
Publication
n/a
Date
July 1983
Peer-reviewed?
Not known
Comments
Abstract
Prior to detoxification, adipose
tissue concentrations were determined for seven individuals accidentally
exposed to PBBs. The chemicals targeted for analysis included the major
congeners of PBBs, PCBs and the residues of common chlorinated insecticides.
Of the 16 organohalides examined, 13 were present in lower concentrations
following detoxification. Seven of the 3 reductions were statistically
significant; reductions ranged from 3.5 to 47.2 percent, with a mean reduction
among the 16 chemicals of 21.3 percent (s.d. 17.1 percent). To determine
whether reductions reflected movement to other body compartments or actual
burden reduction, a post-treatment follow-up sample was taken four months
later. Follow-up analysis showed a reduction in all 16 chemicals averaging
42.4 percent (s.d. 17.1 percent) and ranging from 10.1 to 65.9 percent.
Ten of the 16 reductions were statistically significant.
Author(s)
D.W. Schnare, M. Ben, M. Shields
Publication
Ambio, Vol.13, No.5-6
Date
1984
Peer-reviewed?
Not known
Comments
Abstract
A discussion of some of the problems
in attempting to diagnose and treat low-level body burdens of toxic chemicals.
A review of 120 patients who were prescribed detoxification treatment
as developed by Hubbard to eliminate fat-stored compounds showed improvement
in 14 of 15 symptoms associated with several types of chemical exposures.
Author(s)
D. Root, D.W. Schnare, D.B. Katzin
Publication
Proceedings of the National Conference
on Hazardous Wastes and Environmental Emergencies, Cincinnati, Ohio
Date
1985
Peer-reviewed?
No
Comments
Title
Reduction of the Human Body
Burdens of Hexachlorobenzene and Polychlorinated Biphenyls
Abstract
Electrical workers paired by
age, sex and potential for polychlorinated biphenyl exposure were divided
into treatment and control groups. Adipose-tissue concentrations of hexachlorobenzene
(HCB), four other pesticides and 10 polychlorinated biphenyl congeners
were determined pre- and post-treatment, and three months post-treatment.
At post-treatment, all 16 chemicals were found at lower concentrations
in the adipose tissues of the treatment group, while 11 were found in
higher concentrations in the control group. Adjusted for re-exposure as
represented in the control group, HCB concentrations were reduced by 30
percent at post-treatment and 28 percent three months post-treatment.
Mean reduction of polychlorinated biphenyl congeners was 61 percent at
post-treatment and 14 percent three months post-treatment. These reductions
are statistically significant (f< 0.001). Enhanced excretion appeared
to keep pace with mobilization, as blood-serum levels in the treatment
group did not increase during treatment.
Author(s)
D.W. Schnare, P.C. Robinson
Publication
Scientific Publications Series
Volume 77, World Health Organization, International Agency for Research
on Cancer
Date
1986
Peer-reviewed?
Not known
Comments
Abstract
A 23-year-old woman worked at
a manufacturing facility, hosing the soot and ash accumulated in the exhaust
stack and on the filter pads of an oil-fired generator. She performed
this task without protective gear. After six months, she reported feeling
ill to the plant nurse. One month later, she was removed from the job,
and she remained unable to work for 11½ months because of symptoms
relating to toxic chemical exposure. The toxicants were amenable to removal
through the sebaceous glands and possibly the gastrointestinal tract by
the Hubbard detoxification technique. This was accompanied by remission
of her subjective complaints and she was authorized to return to work.
Author(s)
D. Root, G.T. Lionelli
Publication
Journal of Toxicology Cutaneous
and Ocular Toxicology, Vol. 6, No. 1
Date
1987
Peer-reviewed?
Not known
Comments
Title
Improvement in Perception
of Transcutaneous Nerve Stimulation Following Detoxification in Firefighters
Exposed to PCBs, PCDDs and PCDFs
Abstract
Seventeen firefighters with a
history of acute exposure to polychlorinated biphyenyls, dibenzofurans,
and dibenzodioxins were evaluated for peripheral neuropathy. Neuropathic
evaluation was done using the Neurometer®, a transcutaneous nerve
stimulation device. Prior to detoxification, five of the 17 had abnormal
current perception threshold measurements. Following treatment, all showed
improvement. Most strikingly, the current perception thresholds of two
patients returned to normal range after detoxification. This finding raises
the possibility that damage heretofore thought to be permanent may in
many instances be partially reversible.
Author(s)
M. Shields, S.L. Beckmann, G. Cassidy-Brinn
Publication
Clinical Ecology, Vol. VI,
No.2
Date
1989
Peer-reviewed?
Not known
Comments
Abstract
Eleven workers with readily observable symptoms
of exposure to PCBs and other chemicals were chosen for detoxification
from a group of 24 male volunteers from a factory using PCBs in the manufacture
of capacitors. The remaining 13 served as a control group. Detoxification
treatment reduced both the body burdens and the symptoms of treated workers
while no such improvements occurred in the control group. This study,
undertaken in cooperation with the University Medical Center of Ljubljana
and the Institut für Toxikologie, University and Technical Faculty
of Zurich, supports the use of health screening and detoxification for
individuals affected by toxic exposures.
Author(s)
Z. Tretjak, S.L. Beckmann, A. Tretjak,
C. Gunnerson
Publication
Proceedings of the Annual Meeting
of the American Society of Civil Engineers, New Orleans, Louisiana
Date
October 1989
Peer-reviewed?
No
Comments
Title
Human Contamination and Detoxification:
Medical Response to an Expanding Global Problem
Abstract
Individuals with a variety of workplace exposures
were unable to work or had reduced work capacity. Following detoxification,
each was able to return to work. Though the results presented are anecdotal,
they confirm previous findings in the peer-reviewed literature (Schnare
et al., 1982; Roehm, 1983; Schnare et al., 1984; Schnare and Robinson,
1985; Tretjak et al., 1989) and demonstrate that this approach can be
effective in reducing body burdens of toxic compounds and returning individuals
to the workplace.
Author(s)
R.M. Wisner, M. Shields, D.L. Curtis,
S.L. Beckman
Publication
Proceedings of the MAB UNESCO
Task Force on Human Response to Environmental Stress, Moscow
Date
1989
Peer-reviewed?
No
Comments
Abstract
Fourteen firemen were exposed to polychlorinated
biphenyls (PCBs) and their by-products at the site of a transformer fire
and explosion. Six months after the fire, they underwent neurophysiological
and neuropsychological tests. They were re-studied six weeks after detoxification.
A control group of firefighters was selected from firemen who resided
in the same city but were not engaged in the fire in question. Initial
testing showed that firemen exposed to PCBs had poorer neurobehavioral
function than the control group. Significant reversibility of impairment
was noted after detoxification.
Author(s)
K.H. Kilburn, R.H. Warsaw, M. Shields
Publication
Archives of Environmental Health,
Vol.44, No. 6
Date
1989
Peer-reviewed?
Not known
Comments
Abstract
A female worker from a capacitor factory, with
a history of exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and other lipophilic
industrial chemicals, was admitted for treatment at the University Medical
Centre of Ljubljana, Slovenia (then Yugoslavia). She presented with severe
abdominal complaints, chloracne, liver abnormalities and a bluish-green
nipple discharge of approximately 50 ml d' in quantity. High PCB levels
were noted in adipose tissue (102 mg kg'), serum (512 µg/1'), skin
lipids (66.3 mg kg'), and in the nipple discharge (712 µg 1'). After
detoxification, PCB levels in adipose tissue were reduced to 37.4 mg kg'
and in serum to 261 µg', respective reductions of 63 percent and
49 percent. Excretion of intact PCBs in serum, appreciable before treatment,
was enhanced by up to five-fold during detoxification. The nipple discharge
ceased early in the detoxification regimen.
Author(s)
Z. Tretjak, M. Shields, S.L. Beckman
Publication
Human and Experimental Toxicology,
Vol. 9
Date
1990
Peer-reviewed?
Not known
Comments
Abstract
Eleven capacitor workers, occupationally exposed
to PCBs and other industrial chemicals, underwent detoxification. Thirteen
co-workers served as controls. Mean PCB levels prior to detoxification
were 28.0 mg/kg in adipose and 188.0 µg/L in serum. Following detoxification,
PCBs were reduced in serum by 42 percent (p<0.05) and in adipose by
30 percent for patients without concurrent disease. Patients with concurrent
disease had a 10 percent reduction in adipose levels, while serum levels
remained unchanged. Both adipose and serum PCB levels increased in members
of the control group. At a four-month follow up examination, these differences
were maintained, though the mean adipose PCB values in all groups were
higher than at post-treatment. All patients reported marked improvement
in clinical symptoms post-treatment, with most of these improvements retained
at follow-up. No such improvements were noted in controls.
Author(s)
Z. Tretjak, D. Root, A. Tretjak, R.
Slivnik, E. Edmondson, R. Graves, S.L. Beckmann
Publication
Journal of Environmental Science
and Health, Vol. A25, no. 7
Date
1990
Peer-reviewed?
Not known
Comments
Title
Treatment of Pesticide-Exposed
Patients with the Hubbard Method of Detoxification
Abstract
A review of the efficacy of detoxification in
addressing the complaints of 155 patients who had experienced significant
exposures to pesticides. Treatment effected reductions in chemical levels
in adipose tissue, and a concomitant decrease in symptomatic complaints.
Author(s)
S.L. Beckman, M. Shields, R.M. Wisner
Publication
Presentation at the 120th Annual Meeting
of the American Public Health Association, Washington, D.C.
Date
November 1992
Peer-reviewed?
No
Comments
Title
Neurotoxicity and Toxic Body
Burdens: Relationship and Treatment Potentials
Abstract
Many chemicals have neurotoxic health effects
of long duration, leading to the conclusion that these effects are essentially
irreversible. This paper proposes that the accumulation and persistence
of neurotoxic chemicals in adipose tissue may play a role in the prolongation
of neurotoxic effects. If this were the case, an approach designed to
reduce body burdens of fat-soluble compounds should lead to a similar
reduction in neurotoxic effects. Transcutaneous current perception thresholds
were measured using the Neurometer® device in 48 patients exhibiting
neurotoxic effects both before and after detoxification. Following detoxification,
marked improvements were noted in both peripheral neuropathy and self-reported
patient profiles.
Author(s)
R.M. Wisner, D. Root, M. Shields,
S.L. Beckman
Publication
Proceedings of the International
Conference on Peripheral Nerve Toxicity, Kanasawa, Japan
Date
June 1993
Peer-reviewed?
No
Comments
Title
Reduction of Drug Residues:
Applications in Drug Rehabilitation
Abstract
Drug residues and their lipophilic metabolites
are associated with persistent symptoms; their mobilization into blood
correlates with drug cravings. The concentration of drug metabolites in
both sweat and urine was measured in eight individuals who had been actively
using drugs prior to detoxification. Cocaine, opiate, and benzodiazepan
metabolites were detected by fluorescent immunoassay in both sweat and
urine. Low levels (not indicative of use) continued to be eliminated for
several weeks. In two cases, drug levels were below detection prior to
treatment but became detectable during detoxification. A separate series
of 249 clients with a history of drug abuse rated the severity of their
symptoms before and after detoxification. Chief symptomatic complaints
prior to detoxification included fatigue, irritability, depression, intolerance
of stress, reduced attention span and decreased mental acuity. (These
same symptoms were dominant in those who had ceased active drug abuse
over a year prior to treatment.) Following detoxification, both past and
current users reported marked improvements in symptoms, with most returning
to normal range.
Author(s)
R. Wisner, M. Shields, S.L. Beckmann
Publication
Presentation at the 123rd Annual
Meeting of the American Public Health Association
Date
1995
Peer-reviewed?
No
Comments
Title
Treatment of Children with
the Detoxification Method Developed by Hubbard
Abstract
Eighteen children from ten families were referred
for detoxification. Their chief complaints included environmental sensitivity,
headaches, chronic fatigue, allergies, respiratory problems and recurrent
infections. In each case, the entire family had become ill following a
known change (e.g., application of pesticides, installation of improperly
cured carpet) in their environment. The ages of the children ranged from
neonatal to 15 at the time of exposure, with treatment ages ranging from
4 to 21. Treatment resulted in improvements in symptom profiles, with
at least 89 percent of the children reporting long-term improvements in
their symptoms.
Author(s)
R. Wisner, M. Shields, S.L. Beckmann
Publication
Presentation at the 123rd Annual
Meeting of the American Public Health Association, San Diego
Date
1995
Peer-reviewed?
No
Comments
Title
Precipitation of Cocaine Metabolites
in Sweat and Urine of Addicts Undergoing Sauna Bath Treatment
Abstract
Four subjects (three males and one female) admitted
to a residential treatment program were selected for study. All met DSM-III-R
Criteria for cocaine dependence and ingested cocaine by smoking. The duration
of their use of the drug ranged from eight months to 18 years, and they
reported cocaine use on over 75 percent of days in the month just prior
to treatment. Three reported last use of cocaine within 48 hours of admission;
one reported last use 25 days prior to program entry. Urine and sweat
samples were collected from subjects every two to three days during detoxification
and analyzed by fluorescent immunoassay. Cocaine metabolites were detectable
in both sweat and urine of all subjects. Three of the four subjects showed
a measurable increase in sweat or urine cocaine metabolite concentrations
at the beginning of detoxification. Two subjects demonstrated negative
urine samples prior to detoxification, but demonstrated the presence of
metabolites when detoxification commenced.
Author(s)
M. Shields
Publication
Fifty-Seventh Annual Scientific Meeting,
National Institute on Drug Abuse, College on Problems of Drug Dependency
Date
1995
Peer-reviewed?
No
Comments
Abstract
Fourteen children living in the plume path of
the destroyed Chernobyl reactor underwent detoxification. Each was periodically
measured using a portable radiation detection system capable of measuring
the characteristic gamma ray emitted during the radioactive decay of Cs-137.
(Five such measures were made over the course of approximately four weeks.)
Elimination rates were compared to expected rates of elimination from
published studies. Children uniformly eliminated Cs-137 more rapidly than
expected, with the exception of two cases in which children were eating
contaminated treats from home. (Rapid elimination of Cs-137 resumed when
these items were eliminated from their diets.)
Author(s)
?
Publication
Presentation at the 124th Annual Meeting
of the American Public Health Associations
Date
1996
Peer-reviewed?
No
Comments
Title
Reduction of Drug Residues:
Applications in Drug Rehabilitation
Abstract
Drug residues and their lipophilic metabolites
are associated with persistent symptoms; their mobilization into blood
correlates with drug cravings. The concentration of drug metabolites in
both sweat and urine was measured in eight individuals who had been actively
using drugs prior to detoxification. Cocaine, opiate, and benzodiazepan
metabolites were detected by fluorescent immunoassay in both sweat and
urine. Low levels (not indicative of use) continued to be eliminated for
several weeks. In two cases, drug levels were below detection prior to
treatment but became detectable during detoxification. A separate series
of 249 clients with a history of drug abuse rated the severity of their
symptoms before and after detoxification. Chief symptomatic complaints
prior to detoxification included fatigue, irritability, depression, intolerance
of stress, reduced attention span and decreased mental acuity. (These
same symptoms were dominant in those who had ceased active drug abuse
over a year prior to treatment.) Following detoxification, both past and
current users reported marked improvements in symptoms, with most returning
to normal range.
Author(s)
R. Wisner, M. Shields, S.L. Beckmann
Publication
Presentation at the 123rd Annual
Meeting of the American Public Health Association
Date
1995
Peer-reviewed?
No
Comments
Other articles
Narconon's supporters have also written a number of articles
published in professional journals, promoting the supposed benefits of the
Hubbard detoxification method. These articles are as follows:
Abstract
Law enforcement officers involved in drug cases
are sometimes exposed to hazardous chemicals. The symptoms of these exposures
can cause officers to become unable to work or think. New studies show
detoxification can rid officers of a variety of symptoms.
Author(s)
Robert Warner
Publication
The Journal - Winter Issue
Date
1984
Abstract
Today, law enforcement officers are exposed to
many hazardous materials. After much exposure, the accumulations of chemicals
cause symptoms which can keep them from working. In studies, it has been
shown that detoxification removes PCP, allowing officers to return to
work.
Author(s)
Robert B. Amidon
Publication
Journal of California Law Enforcement
- Summer Vol. 18, No. 3
Date
1984
Abstract
More than 55,000 chemicals are now in commercial
use, some 3,000 are deliberately added to food, and more than 700 are
found in common drinking water. There is no arguing the importance of
protecting workers and their families from potentially hazardous substances.
The question of how to resolve the problems that have developed as a result
of man's interaction with his chemical environment has brought a variety
of responses. There is no question that some of the chemicals have adverse
human health effects. Scientific research in recent years has shown a
relationship between the presence of foreign chemicals in human tissue
and an increased rate of cancer in those same tissues.
Author(s)
Max Ben, M.D.
Publication
National Safety News
Date
May 1984
Abstract
A Rand Corporation study in 1984 estimated that
by the year 2020, 75,000 American workers will have died as a result of
asbestos related diseases. By the end of the century, claims by victims
of asbestos contamination may cost the world insurance industry as much
as 30ドル billion, according to Lloyd's of London experts. By watching this
scenario, many high risk industries using toxic substances hope that they
have no similar toxic time bombs ticking away beneath their own corporate
cornerstones.
Author(s)
David Root, Joan Anderson
Publication
Occupational Health & Safety.
Vol. 2, No. 4
Date
April 1986
Abstract
Drug abuse is a complex problem, and approaches
to solving it have been as varied as the faces of addiction itself. In
the wake of rehabilitation failures, law enforcement officials increasingly
speak of the need for harsh punishment of drug offenders, including first-time
users. The hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars being proposed for
pharmacotherapy addiction research will, to a large extent, define the
type of treatment available to the population in the immediate future.
Given the uncertain history of pharmacotherapy as a treatment for addiction,
the lack of responsible debate is inexcusable.
Author(s)
Max Ben, M.D.
Publication
Professional Counselor. Vol. 7, No.
3
Date
December 1992
NOTE: This website is not owned,
operated, sponsored or endorsed by Narconon International, the Association
for Better Living and Education International or any related entities.
All trademarks and service marks remain the properties of their respective
owners.