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Why is it not known? It seems like an experiment should have already been done. For example, one could arrange an experiment with two groups of rats. The act
by palish 18y ago
Why is it not known? It seems like an experiment should have already been done.
For example, one could arrange an experiment with two groups of rats. The active group R would be administered very low doses of Benzene, whereas the control group C would not. Then, both groups would be studied over a sufficient period of time. If rats from R develop cancer and rats from C don't, then it is known that Benzene does cause cancer at low doses. Otherwise, if the experiment is repeated a sufficient number of times, the chance that Benzene causes cancer in low doses is statistically irrelevant.
Our points are the same: it is not generally known whether cancer can actually be caused by low doses of Benzene, so it is detrimental to freak over sensationalist articles like this one.
Also, it is especially distasteful to frighten people by claiming that there is some measure of truth ("science") in these inherently unscientific claims.
- davidw 18y agoWhat is unknown is what the Mac computers are giving off, if anything, and in what quantities. Without that, it's impossible to even start talking about benzene.
- palish 18y agoI don't understand. From the article: According to Liberation.fr (english translation), as reported on ZDNet, the odor being emitted from Mac Pros manufactured before 2008 includes a number of chemicals including Benzene, a known carcinogen that in high doses is lethal. So we're saying the same thing... I think? If the report is unconfirmed, then this article is extremely objectionable because the implication is that Mac Pros kill people (which would rightfully freak people out), but there is no supporting evidence. So therefore, the story might as well have been completely made up.
- davidw 18y agoLike I said, it's a sensationalist article. Without knowing the composition and quantities involved, it's impossible to say anything with certainty.
- palish 18y agoCorrect, but it's impossible to say anything with absolute certainty. However, we can judge the probabilities based on our previous experiences. So my assertions are: - There are claims that Mac Pros emit an odor that contains Benzene. - It's unlikely that the amount of Benzene is enough to be statistically dangerous, or even the source of the odor itself. - Therefore, this article is pointless.