Is marijuana safer than tobacco? I'm Doctor David DeRose. We'll look at some recent evidence in a moment on WellnessWise.

In most peoples' minds the case against cigarette smoking is closed. Over 300,000 Americans are estimated to die each year from cancer and heart disease caused by cigarette smoking.

But what about marijuana smoking? Is it safer than tobacco?

Recent research on the subject has come from the University of California at San Francisco and other centers. These reports show that marijuana and tobacco smoking cause similar lung changes--with one difference--marijuana has a much more potent effect. In terms of lung damage, one joint is equivalent to a full pack of 20 cigarettes.

Why does marijuana appear to be more dangerous? First, the total amount of tar is greater in marijuana than in tobacco smoke. Second, marijuana contains many of the same lung irritants and cancer-causing compounds that are found in tobacco smoke. Some of those chemicals--such as the potent carcinogen benzopyrene--are found in greater amounts in marijuana. Third, marijuana is smoked more deeply and held in the lungs for a longer time, thus multiplying its danger.

Compared to tobacco, our national experience with marijuana is relatively brief--but the current results suggest it is also a powerful respiratory poison with cancer-producing potential.

For WellnessWise I'm Doctor David DeRose.

Reference: Kevin Starr, MD, and Mark Renneker, MD, A cytologic evaluation of sputum in marijuana smokers, The Journal of Family Practice 39(4):359-363. October 1994.

BUBONIC PLAGUE

It was called "the Black Death" when it wiped out one third of Europe--I'm Doctor David DeRose--the Plague--in a moment on WellnessWise.

The 1994 outbreak of plague in India provides a stark reminder that this dread illness can still strike today. In fact, the bacteria that caused the "black death" in the middle ages is ever preset among the wild rodents of the Western United States. Infected species include, prairie dogs, squirrels, deer mice, wood rats, and chipmunks.

An infected flea usually carries the disease from rodents to humans. A person can also get the disease by handling infected animals or inhaling the germs coughed out by a human or animal plague victim. Transmission from animals and humans other than rodents is important. Cats, for example can get plague and transmit it directly to humans .

Even with antibiotics 10-15% of victims die. Untreated, the mortality rate is 60 - 100%--and no reliable vaccines exist.

The disease is relatively rare in the US-- but there is still need for caution-- especially if you reside in or visit the Western US . 90% of cases have come from Arizona, California, Colorado, and New Mexico. When in these areas, do not handle rodents or other sick or dead animals.

If traveling in higher risk areas outside our country--especially during epidemics--more aggressive protective measures such as insect sprays and even preventive antibiotics may be necessary.

Plague, uncommon but deadly--and we're not immune to it in the US.

For WellnessWise I'm Doctor David DeRose.

References: 1. Patient Care October 15, 1994 A field guide to animal-borne infections. Duane J. Gubler, et al. 2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, guidelines document #221008 3. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, Human Plague--India, 1994. 689-691

SECTION II

NEW COLUMN: SCIENCE/HEALTH ABSTRACTS

Phylis Austin is an experienced medical university research librarian and author. She has graciously allowed us to reprint portions of her bimonthly periodical "Science/Health Abstracts." Phylis spends hundreds of hours reviewing medical literature from a preventive medicine/lifestyle medicine perspective--the results of that research finds its way into her "Abstracts." I am including selections from her work in the same spirit in which I post my radio scripts--the spirit of stimulating inquiry--not necessarily of establishing fact.

Children whose mothers consumed cured or broiled meat during their pregnancy are at greater risk of the later development of one of several types of cancer. Childhood brain tumors were more common in children whose mothers had consumed one or more hot dog[s] per week during the pregnancy.

Children who consumed hamburgers once or more each week are at increased risk of acute lymphocytic leukemia; hot dog consumption by the child also increases the risk of brain tumors.

Pregnant women who are exposed to chemicals used by cosmetologists are at increased risk of spontaneous abortions. As hours of exposure increased so did risk of abortion. (Epidemiology 5:147-155, 1994)

SECTION III

ABOUT OUR SPONSORS

We appreciate all those who help us to distribute this newsletter free of charge.

Living Springs Lifestyle Center (phone: 1-800-SAY-WELL). Located less than one hour from Manhattan, Living Springs offers residential preventive medicine programs such as weight control, smoking cessation, cholesterol and blood pressure reduction, etc. The facility includes spa services, vegan diet, health lectures, exercise sessions, cooking classes, and more.

WellnessWise Radio Program. (E-mail address: docderose@aol.com). Daily (Monday through Friday) 90 second preventive medicine broadcasts come with a 30 second commercial slot for local or national sponsors. Sponsorship opportunities are available in many US & Canadian locations for this syndicated broadcast. Audio tapes are also available.

Send all requests to: