CANCER AND THE COAL TAR PRODUCTS.
[To the Editor of the SrEcr.vron.]
Sus,—I have noticed a letter in your issue of February 10th in which it is suggested that liquid paraffin may be a source of cancer. I think it very deplorable that an article which has been proved to be of so much benefit to the human race, and which saved an enormous amount of suffering during the late War, should be openly discussed in the lay Press as a possible cause of one of the most terrible diseases known. Surely this is a matter which, if it is to be dealt with In the Press at all, should be dealt solely with in the medical Press. It is hardly one that the ordinary layman is competent to form any opinion upon.
The British Pharmacopeia has laid down a high standard for the quality of the article to be supplied and the public should insist upon receiving the best only. As general manager for one of the largest manufacturers of this oil, I think that no evidence has so far been produced which would warrant any inference that the taking of liquid paraffin is responsible for the increase of cancer. As a matter of fact, from information before me, I gather that cancer is not nearly so prevalent in a certain country where liquid paraffin is in much more common use than it is here.
I suggest that our inquizies would be far better directed in investigating the lack of cleanliness in handling many of our foods, such as bread, milk and meat. The extraordinary want of particularity in the English markets is astonishing to some of our visitors from Overseas and is, undoubtedly, a source of great danger to the community.—! am, Sir, &c., II. BELL THOMPSON (General Manager, Sterns. LW.). Royal London House, Finsbury Square, London, E.C.2.
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