@jesse_kroll @linseymarr @dylanhmorris @DrNeeltje As with anything, more knowledge is better. When we study #airborne contagions or #AirPollution many disciplines are required. Clinical, forensic, environmental, social, & occupational epidemiology all must be informed by all science. 1/
@jesse_kroll @linseymarr @dylanhmorris @DrNeeltje The preference of 1 observational association vs a 2nd (but 'newer') observational association (both being classified 'low level' evidence until dozens of associations are collected) when confronted with a novel #CoronaVirus or any other contagion is not
#ScienceBased. 2/
#ScienceBased. 2/
@jesse_kroll @linseymarr @dylanhmorris @DrNeeltje We must be prepared to quickly apply or adjust existing (i.e., #influenza) public health non-pharmaceutical recommendations to those of a new threat when we know the risk of harm from these interventions is low. 3/
@jesse_kroll @linseymarr @dylanhmorris @DrNeeltje Then when dozens of associations are discovered & the 'very low' or 'low' level evidence now becomes 'Medium' we must consider how that data should inform policymakers & guide our collective response... again with respect to the #PrecautionaryPrinciple #Covid19 4/
@jesse_kroll @linseymarr @dylanhmorris @DrNeeltje Clinicians, non-medical forensic experts, & policymakers (a.k.a., MD vs PhD vs Public health officials) must respect each other's professions, experience & obligations. It would seem we should renew the discussion of Effectiveness vs Precautions & when precautions are merited. 5/
@jesse_kroll @linseymarr @dylanhmorris @DrNeeltje We readily accept physical precautions in #OccupationalHealth, recreational safety, military operations, & product design scenarios. Why when pathology is able to be applied do we set the bar so high? The research to find causative evidence can take years, decades, or never! 6/
@jesse_kroll @linseymarr @dylanhmorris @DrNeeltje Listing only a few public health regrets: Assuming dilution was an #AirPollution solution (was deiven by polluters & weakly science-based); Removing lead from our environment; traffic safety laws (Seat belt & helmets); Housing access; Racial bias among the police & judiciary; 7/
@jesse_kroll @linseymarr @dylanhmorris @DrNeeltje These debates last decades while significant harm to health, safety & well-being occurs. The recent #Masks debate is an ideal example. The same officials debated "show me the data" for 75 years before removing lead from paints now demand "proof of no harm" for masks wearing! 8/
