Dr C.K. Li presents SSP Mike Parker with the report on the study findings

A team headed by a consultant from the Department of Health found that from 1985 to 1999, cancer rates among Marine officers engaged in sea going duties was less than half that of the general population during the same period.

The findings apply to all cancers as a group, and to specific types (leukaemia, brain cancer, testicular cancer) that have previously been suggested to relate to radar exposure.

The study was conducted after concerns were raised that cancer rates among Marine officers were higher than the general public, possibly due to excessive radiation levels from launch communication and navigation equipment.

Some 31 cases of officers with cancer were submitted for study and for comparison with data on the cancer incidence among the general population provided by the Hong Kong Cancer Registry.

The team also looked at previous creditable studies conducted overseas on the effects of radar radiation on people.

Department of Health Consultant in Community Medicine Dr Li Chun-kuen who headed the research, said the findings did not show a higher incidence for Marine officers.

He added that the international studies corroborated their findings that there was no convincing scientific evidence linking cancer to radar emission exposure.

"Various international radiation protection agencies have reviewed this area and all have come out saying there is no conclusive evidence supporting the claim of a link between cancer and radar emissions," Dr Li said, emphasising the impartiality and independence of the study.

"This whole study for the Marine Police was very transparent and there is no question whatsoever over its integrity.

"There was no contact at all with police during the research period, from the time the data was provided to us to the time we delivered our findings."

Marine Regional Commander Spencer Foo Tsun-kong welcomed the findings saying he hoped officers would be reassured by the results of the study.

"This has been a very thorough and transparent study, the results of which are very reassuring. The project has now been concluded," Mr Foo said.

Mr Foo thanked the Department, the Office of the Telecommunications Authority (OFTA) and the Communications Branch for all their good work and effort in conducting the research and compiling the report.

The results come in the wake of other tests by Information Systems Wing and OFTA showing radar and radio emissions from launches did not exceed stringent general public exposure limits specified by the International Commission on Non-ionising Radiation Protection, the third time such claims were refuted.

Medical and engineering experts were consulted in 1992 after concerns were first raised, and concluded the claims were unfounded. In 1994 experts from the British Royal Navy also found no evidence of emissions posing a health hazard.

Project officer for the study, Marine Senior Superintendent (Support) Michael Parker said: "The team's report has been circulated for officers' perusal and feedback received so far shows staff have been reassured by the findings.

"The results showed the cancer incidence amongst Marine officers was generally lower than the general population whilst the highest radiation levels recorded on launches were below internationally-accepted safe limits.

"We are pleased with the results which are very reassuring and hopefully will alleviate any concerns among our officers."

Mr Parker and Dr Li, along with two other experts, also outlined the study results for all-levels of staff at seminars on July 14. They took questions and listened to officers' comments.

After the briefing, Marine Region Chairman of the Junior Police Officers' Association Lau Yung-kan said members found the study very thorough, adding they were satisfied with the findings which they hoped would be widely distributed and made available to every Marine officer.

"And we also think Police Management should keep an eye on whether or not the cancer incidence of Marine officers rises in future," Mr Lau said.

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