title: Forensic epidemiology: a method for investigating and quantifying specific causation.
abstract: The field of forensic epidemiology was initially introduced as a systematic approach to the investigation of acts of bioterrorism. In recent years, however, the applications of forensic epidemiology have expanded greatly, covering a wide range of medicolegal issues routinely encountered in both criminal and civil court settings. Forensic epidemiology provides a method of evaluating causation in groups and individuals based in the application of the Hill Criteria, with conclusions given in terms of relative or comparative risk, or as a Probability of Causation. The purpose of this paper is to give a brief overview of the methods and applications of forensic epidemiology.
authors.affiliation: Forensic Medical Investigations, 209 Woodbridge Dr., Pittsburgh, PA, 15237, USA, sakoehler100@hotmail.com.
authors.forename: Steven A
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Koehler
authors.forename: Michael D
authors.initials: MD
authors.lastname: Freeman
mesh_terms: D002274:Carcinogens, Environmental / Q000633:toxicity; D015984:Causality; D002423:Cause of Death; D004781:Environmental Exposure; D004812:Epidemiologic Methods; D005554:Forensic Medicine; D006801:Humans; D008318:Malpractice / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D015233:Models, Statistical; D060735:Pharmacovigilance; D011336:Probability; D024382:Professional Role; D014947:Wounds and Injuries
chemical_list: D002274:Carcinogens, Environmental