Response to Nicolich
- Alan H. Lockwood, MD
- From the VA Western New York Healthcare System and University at Buffalo, Neurology and Nuclear Medicine, Buffalo, New York
In a previous letter (1), I identified a significant correlation between the statewide prevalence of diabetes and air releases of toxicants reported in the Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) report (available from www.epa.gov/tri). Although I suggested a possible mechanism for this link, related to dioxins, I was careful to note that correlations do not prove cause-and-effect relationships. Dr. Nicolich expands on that point in his letter (2).
A coincidence is a “striking occurrence of two events at one time apparently by mere chance” (3). I would agree that it is a virtual certainty that …
