Health effects from exposure to traffic radar units in members of the RCMP.

Abstract

Over the last few years the lay media have raised the question whether there may be a link between the use of police radar and the development of cancer. Radar has been used to measure traffic speed since the mid 1950's. The purpose of this research study was to determine the profile of exposure and cancer outcomes in members of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) who have ever performed radar duties. The design was a historical cohort study involving 4 cohorts. The target population was defined as all members of the RCMP who had been assigned to highway patrol from 1973 onward. Four cohorts of subjects were identified within this population and surveyed: pensioned members (n = 1819), active members who had 30 or more consecutive days of sick leave (n = 750), a sample of active members who had less than 30 consecutive days of sick leave (n = 750) and the deceased members (n = 146). The questionnaire ascertained police service, radar unit usage, diagnosis of cancer, risk factors for testicular cancer and socio-demorgraphic information. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)