Describes the scientific basis of cancer risk assessment, outlining the dominant controversies surrounding the use of different methods for identifying carcinogens (short-term tests, animal bioassays, and epidemiological studies). Points out that risk assessment is as much an art as it is a science. (DH)

This colloquium book review (occasioned by Andrew Scott's "Pirates of the Cell") contains seven selected readings from popular periodicals and research journals. It is designed to eliminate some of the mental barriers that many have to topics like molecular biology and virology. Included are: (1) "What Is A Virus?" (William D. Elliot); (2) "The…

As young people survive childhood cancer at ever-increasing rates, the late effects of treatment that affect growth, development, and cognitive functioning must be considered. This paper describes medical treatment for childhood cancer, long-term survival and general effects of treatment, cognitive late effects of treatment, and educational…

Attempts to clear up misunderstandings about radon and outlines information teachers can convey to their students. Includes a brief history of radon, health threats posed by radon, methods to measure radon quantities, homeowner risks and preventative actions, and a glossary of radon terms. (MDH)

The purpose of this document is to identify potentially hazardous substances that may be in use in many school laboratories and to provide an inventory of these substances so that science teachers may take the initiative in providing for the proper storage, handling, use, and if warranted, removal of hazardous materials. The document consists of…

This article considers educational implications of a child with cancer, including incidence, telling the child about his/her disease, school reentry, what classmates want to know, counseling the child with cancer, handling the issue of death, and staff issues. A lesson plan on childhood cancer for elementary students is also included. (DB)

Intended for teachers, the booklet provides information on managing a child with cancer in the classroom. Sections deal with the following topics: cancer in the young and its treatment, effects of the disease and treatment, school reentry, the teacher's role, what to find out, dealing with parents, what to do, the student in the classroom,…

Summarizes health hazards associated with air pollution, highlighting the difficulty in establishing acceptable thresholds of exposure. Respiratory disease, asthma, cancer, cardiovascular disease, and other problems are addressed. Indicates that a wide range of effects from any one chemical exists and that there are differences in sensitivity to…

Enumerates several techniques to determine what are acceptable levels of risk in society. Discusses cancer, regulation, and human responsibility. Lists several no-risk discussion topics for the classroom. (DH)

Author describes developments in understanding of tumor suppressor genes or antioncogenes that he feels is most important breakthrough in solving cancer problem. Describes 1969 starting work of Harris with mouse fibroblast genes and later work of Knudson with retinoblastoma cells. Provides evidence that deletion of chromosome that results in the…

Presents current information and statistics concerning cancer that can inform students and affect students' attitudes toward cancer. Discusses the dangers and methods of lowering the risks of common cancers in young people. (Contains 12 references.) (MDH)

High school biology textbooks feature little coverage of cancer, so that college students are not generally informed about the condition. At the same time, there has been a dramatic increase in the number of young people who survive cancer, which means that college instructors are likely to have students who have or have had cancer. Instructors…

Describes a case study on breast cancer and the access to adequate medical care to help demonstrate the use of the case study method in instruction. This is one of a series of articles written to stimulate interest in the use of the case study method in teaching undergraduate level science. (ZWH)

The effect of sunlight on skin is described. Topics of discussion include the ozone layer, photosynthesis of vitamin D, tanning, the immune system, skin cancers, moles, prevention, sunscreens, effect of diet, vitamins C and E, the retinoids, carotenoids, and vaccines. Activities are provided. (KR)

Awareness activities pertaining to cancer and cardiovascular disease are presented as a supplement for high school science classes. The exercises can be used to enrich units of study dealing with the circulatory system, the cell, or human diseases. Eight activities deal with the following topics: (1) cardiovascular disease risk factors; (2)…