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Objective: To determine if aerially spraying a biological pesticide was associated with an increase in the symptoms or change in the Peak Expiratory Flow Rate of children with asthma., Methods: A pre/post matched pairs cohort design was used. Children living in the spray zone were matched with children outside of the spray zone. Peak Expiratory Flow Rates, asthma symptoms and non-asthma symptoms were recorded in diaries., Results: There were no differences in asthma symptom scores between subjects and controls, neither before nor after the spray; nor were there significant changes in Peak Expiratory Flow Rates for subjects after the spray period., Conclusions: No evidence of adverse effects from the use of the biological pesticide was found. We believe that this is the first paper to address the issue of whether or not aerial spraying with Btk has a harmful effect on children with asthma.

Most wireless phones and their corresponding base stations operate at a very low power output and in the radiofrequency range of 800 to 2000 Megahertz. Current international guidelines protect against thermal biological effects in terms of the local or whole-body specific absorption rate (SAR). Potential non-thermal bio-effects resulting from the use of wireless phones are not established and laboratory (i.e., in vitro, in vivo) studies have shown conflicting results. Epidemiological studies of potential human health effects are few but are expected to emerge in the near future. Challenges to epidemiological research include difficult exposure assessment, selection of appropriate controls, potential confounding bias, and validation of outcome. Scientists, community advocacy groups, and public health professionals must be equipped to critically analyze the emerging evidence within a benefit/risk assessment framework.

We describe the hospital utilization of 194 Saskatchewan persons with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (88% Aboriginal), born between 1973-92. Complete provincial hospitalization data were obtained for 128 patients; partial data for 29 patients. Proportionately more persons missing data were adopted, not living with biological family members or were deceased. The hospital separation rates for the children with FAS, pooled from 1987-91, compared to the 1989-90 Saskatchewan rates were significantly higher (95% level of confidence) for males and females < 1 year, 1-4 years and 5-14 years of age. Relative to Saskatchewan Registered Indians, significantly higher hospitalization rate ratios were observed for males with FAS in all age groups and for females only age 5-14 years. Rate ratios for younger females may not have achieved significance because of missing data. Higher hospitalization rates in children with FAS may not be explained solely by factors associated with ethnicity.

Despite major initiatives in public and professional education about foetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) in Saskatchewan in the last 20 years, its incidence rate has not fallen. The rate was 0.515 per 1,000 live births in 1973-1977 and 0.589 in 1988-1992. Two hundred and seven (207) cases were ascertained, the majority being patients of the Alvin Buckwold Child Development Program in Saskatoon. These individuals were severely handicapped: 72% had at least one malformation, the mean intelligence quotient was 67.8 (range 35-106) and 45.9% had a behaviour problem. Only 25.6% still lived with their biological parents when last seen, and only 27 of 108 cases were in a regular class at school without additional support being necessary. New approaches are needed to reduce the incidence of FAS. Emphasis should be placed on individual case-finding, counselling for high-risk women, and community development programs. We are currently attempting this through a provincial coordinating committee.

The hospitalization rates for gastrointestinal and respiratory illnesses in children under five years of age were examined on two Indian reserves in Northern Saskatchewan. The gastrointestinal illness rate was used as an index of waterborne disease, and the respiratory rate as an index of general health and of local customs affecting hospitalizations. The reserve rates were compared with those for other Saskatchewan status Indians and for other Saskatchewan residents. The risk ratios between the reserves and other Indians, and between the reserves and other Saskatchewan residents, were increased for both gastrointestinal and respiratory illnesses. The risk ratio of gastrointestinal rate divided by respiratory rate was greater for either reserve than for other Indians or other Saskatchewan residents. Waterborne illnesses were an even greater problem on the two study reserves than on other reserves. Comparing hospitalization rates for different illness groups is a useful method to compare the effect of different social factors.

Parents, community health nurses (CHNs) and physicians in Saskatoon were surveyed to determine if specific components of well-baby services provided by CHNs and physicians were duplicated. A response was obtained from 348 (81%) of the parents, 34 (89%) of the CHNs and 129 (87%) of the physicians. Results of the study indicate that there is extensive duplication of measurements taken by CHNs and physicians at the two, four, six, and twelve-month well-baby visits, especially that of height and weight. Content of well-baby care was also examined. The percentage of both physicians and CHNs who "usually or always" perform specific tasks at each well-baby visit was very high, particularly screening tests and inquiries about nutrition. Assessments and inquiries regarding development were performed less frequently, as were inquiries about safety issues.