[Significance of the label "risk duplication" in occupational medicine expert opinion and redefinition of occupational diseases].
Referring to scientifically well-founded epidemiological statistical parameters for characterising probabilities of causal relationships, a critical assessment is given of the use of the parameter 'doubling risk' in research and expert evidence in occupational medicine. When assessing single cases, the attainment of this frequency level can serve as an appropriate additional argument for assuming a corresponding relationship; but even if lower frequency levels are attained, such a relationship cannot be excluded. In addition to the statistical data, any conspicuous features from the occupational history and from the course of the disease must be included in the analysis. In the investigation of causal relationships, the exclusive consideration of research results with enhanced frequencies dose to the doubling risk value would imply an illegitimate neglect of existing important information and would thus possibly lead to a misjudgement of the real situation. In the author's opinion, this would also result in set-backs both in legislation concerning occupational diseases and in the realm of labour protection.
Manz
A
A
Institut für Arbeitsmedizin der Freien und Hansestadt Hamburg.
D005858:Germany; D006801:Humans; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology*; D009787:Occupational Medicine / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D012017:Referral and Consultation / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D018570:Risk Assessment
Zur Bedeutung des Merkmals "Risikoverdopplung" in der arbeitsmedizinischen Begutachtung und bei der Neudefinierung von Berufskrankheiten.