Letters from our readers
Re: Pulling at the arts strings, HealthSupplement, February 20th
Dear Sir,
I wondered where Ms Trish Forde has been hiding? Has she never experienced Barnstorm Theatre Company - a professional company dedicated to quality theatre experiences for young audiences?
It is based in Kilkenny but tours around the country to all the theatres. I saw its present show in Kilkenny and it was fantastic - not pantomime and definitely not patronising.
In fact, I read a review of it which stated "if only all theatre could be this good".
I know that the company is on tour with this show, so maybe Ms Forde and/or The Irish Timescritics should go along and see how it should be done.
All I can say is well done Barnstorm and well may you prosper.
J Browne,
By e-mail
Re: HealthSupplement, February 13th
Dear Sir,
I am horrified at the statements made by Dr Harry Comber, director of the National Cancer Register in the February 13th edition of the HealthSupplement.
I suggest Dr Comber should educate himself on the emerging scientific evidence on the effects of non-ionising radiation.
I suggest especially that he should read the EU Reflex Report (2002)which found that cells, exposed to electromagnetic radiation, showed a significant increase in DNA damage which could not always be repaired by the cell.
This damage was also seen in future generations of cells. This effect seemed to be more pronounced in older subjects. There was also evidence of damage to chromosomes, alterations in gene activity and an increased rate of cell division.
The World Health Organisation International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has also classified electromagnetic radiation as a possible cause of cancer (Monograph 80).
The American Journal of Industrial Medicinealso carried an interesting article on the subject last year.
Dr Gillian Mulholland,
By e-mail