title: The lethal "cot-death syndrome" fallacy.
abstract: The ammonia factor theory of infant death causation shows how the known, deadly properties of this respiratory poison, potentially present at every infant's cot, are compatible with the known causative relationships found with "cot-death syndrome" infants. It also predicted and demonstrated that a causal relationship existed between cot-death infants and most other post neo-natal infant deaths. The ammonia factor theory is quite incompatible with the medical profession's "cot-death syndrome" model. A critical evaluation of the medical profession's "cot-death syndrome" model shows that it provides no predictive, causative, diagnostic, or preventative dimensions and is used by some of the medical profession as a tool of fear to extract research monies and by others in the profession to placate parents. The "cot-death syndrome" model is a definition of a non-reality and the antithesis of a scientific model. As a mathematical model it is impossible and is supported by statistical gerrymandering. It places diagnosed "cot-death syndrome" parents in legal jeopardy. Its correlation with the reality of infant death is staggeringly improbable. These features are in stark contrast with the ammonia factor theory of infant death causation. The ammonia factor theory shows that the overall infant death rate is preventable through a programme of welfare, as well as through educational, social and environmental improvements. The medically centred "cot-death syndrome" model is a useless, lethal fallacy. It is politically obstructive. It must be discarded.
mesh_terms: D000641:Ammonia / Q000633:toxicity; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007229:Infant Welfare; D008433:Mathematics; D008954:Models, Biological; D013398:Sudden Infant Death / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control
chemical_list: D000641:Ammonia