consent expressed by the relatives. Consent forms relating to these new areas are available from us for readers interested in updating the integrated reference model presented in our article. In addition, we are developing a software program incorporating the principles of the reference model. In the aftermath of the sequencing of the cystic fibrosis gene by Canadian and US researchers last year and the current worldwide search for polymorphic frequencies4 the possibility of cystic fibrosis screening will serve to further test the validity of viewing DNA sampling as a medical act. The research application of such a recent discovery raises the question of the type of consent to be given for communication of indeterminate information. More undefined still is the responsibility of physicians undertaking genetic screening or epidemiologic studies on the prevalence of or the attitudes to carrier status in different populations.5 These questions must be fully discussed in the scientific and public arenas. Bartha Maria Knoppers, LLB, DIS, PhD Faculte de droit Centre de recherche en droit public Universite de Montreal BP 6128, Succ. A Montreal, QC H3C 3J7 Claude Laberge, MD, PhD, FRCPC Reseau de medecine genetique Bureau 9355 Centre hospitalier de l'Universite Laval 2705, boul. Laurier Sainte-Foy, QC G1V 4G2
References
CFGAC. Am J Hum Genet 1990; 47: 354-359 5. Wilfond BS, Frost N: The cystic fibrosis gene: medical and social implications for heterozygote detection. JAMA 1990; 263: 2777-2783
Health hazards from waste landfill J am a family physician in a small mining town in northern Ontario. A private developer is hoping to deposit 25 million tonnes of solid waste from the greater Toronto area in a recently closed open-pit mine only a few kilometres from my town. Some recycling is proposed, but the resultant solid waste would be compacted and deposited in layers in the pit, each layer being covered with mine tailings. The resulting leachate would be treated in a water filtration plant on the site and the effluent returned to a nearby river. My colleagues and I are concerned about potential health hazards from this process. Unfortunately, we lack easy access to universities or libraries to help us with our research. I would therefore appreciate hearing from any physician who has dealt with the issue of medical hazards generated at municipal waste landfill sites. John D. Epps, MD, CCFP Kirkland Medical Group Level 2, 42 Second St. Kirkland Lake, ON P2N lRl
1. John Moore vs. Regents of University of
California et al, July 9, 1990, SCC (file S006987), 202 Cal App 3d 1230; 249 Cal Rptr 494 (1988) 2. The Queen vs. Dyment (1988), 2 SCR
Report on amino acids
I n June 1987 an expert advisory committee was formed by 3. Moorjani S, Roy M, Gagne et al: Hothe Health Protection Branch, mozygous familial hypercholesterol- Department of National Health emia among French Canadians in Quebec province. Arteriosclerosis 1989; 9: and Welfare, to review available information and to provide advice 211-216 on various amino acids listed in 4. Cystic Fibrosis Genetic Analysis Consortium: Worldwide survey of the information letter no. 685 (issued AF508 mutation -report from the May 3, 1985). 417
The committee was composed of seven people with expertise in various aspects of nutritional sciences, biochemistry, endocrinology and metabolism, medicine, and health food associations. Two invited speakers made presentations to the committee, and five consultants contributed to the discussions. Other comments and opinions were summarized in the written submissions from people representing four organizations: the Association of Concerned Citizens for Preventive Medicine, the National Institute of Nutrition, l'Ordre des chimistes du Quebec and Thorne Research Canada. After finishing its deliberations the committee submitted recommendations to the Health Protection Branch. The Report of the Expert Advisory Committee on Amino Acids/Rapport du Comite consultatif d'experts sur les acides amines has just been published and has been sent for comment to medical, scientific and pharmaceutical associations, as well as to other interested groups. Copies are available from Publications, Communications Branch, Department of National Health and Welfare, 19th floor, Jeanne Mance Building, Tunney's Pasture, Ottawa, ON K1A OK9; telephone (613)952-9191. Comments are welcome and should be addressed to the Director, Bureau of Nonprescription Drugs, 2nd floor, Place Vanier, Tower A, 333 River Rd., Vanier, ON KIA 1B8. The Health Protection Branch intends to study the committee's recommendations and publish its regulatory and policy proposals in an information letter. There will then be further time for receipt of responses or additional data. Dorothy M. Horwood, PhD Executive secretary to the Expert Advisory Committee on Amino Acids Drug Evaluation Division Bureau of Nonprescription Drugs Health Protection Branch Department of National Health and Welfare CAN MED ASSOC J 1991; 144 (2)
129
References
CFGAC. Am J Hum Genet 1990; 47: 354-359 5. Wilfond BS, Frost N: The cystic fibrosis gene: medical and social implications for heterozygote detection. JAMA 1990; 263: 2777-2783
Health hazards from waste landfill J am a family physician in a small mining town in northern Ontario. A private developer is hoping to deposit 25 million tonnes of solid waste from the greater Toronto area in a recently closed open-pit mine only a few kilometres from my town. Some recycling is proposed, but the resultant solid waste would be compacted and deposited in layers in the pit, each layer being covered with mine tailings. The resulting leachate would be treated in a water filtration plant on the site and the effluent returned to a nearby river. My colleagues and I are concerned about potential health hazards from this process. Unfortunately, we lack easy access to universities or libraries to help us with our research. I would therefore appreciate hearing from any physician who has dealt with the issue of medical hazards generated at municipal waste landfill sites. John D. Epps, MD, CCFP Kirkland Medical Group Level 2, 42 Second St. Kirkland Lake, ON P2N lRl
1. John Moore vs. Regents of University of
California et al, July 9, 1990, SCC (file S006987), 202 Cal App 3d 1230; 249 Cal Rptr 494 (1988) 2. The Queen vs. Dyment (1988), 2 SCR
Report on amino acids
I n June 1987 an expert advisory committee was formed by 3. Moorjani S, Roy M, Gagne et al: Hothe Health Protection Branch, mozygous familial hypercholesterol- Department of National Health emia among French Canadians in Quebec province. Arteriosclerosis 1989; 9: and Welfare, to review available information and to provide advice 211-216 on various amino acids listed in 4. Cystic Fibrosis Genetic Analysis Consortium: Worldwide survey of the information letter no. 685 (issued AF508 mutation -report from the May 3, 1985). 417
The committee was composed of seven people with expertise in various aspects of nutritional sciences, biochemistry, endocrinology and metabolism, medicine, and health food associations. Two invited speakers made presentations to the committee, and five consultants contributed to the discussions. Other comments and opinions were summarized in the written submissions from people representing four organizations: the Association of Concerned Citizens for Preventive Medicine, the National Institute of Nutrition, l'Ordre des chimistes du Quebec and Thorne Research Canada. After finishing its deliberations the committee submitted recommendations to the Health Protection Branch. The Report of the Expert Advisory Committee on Amino Acids/Rapport du Comite consultatif d'experts sur les acides amines has just been published and has been sent for comment to medical, scientific and pharmaceutical associations, as well as to other interested groups. Copies are available from Publications, Communications Branch, Department of National Health and Welfare, 19th floor, Jeanne Mance Building, Tunney's Pasture, Ottawa, ON K1A OK9; telephone (613)952-9191. Comments are welcome and should be addressed to the Director, Bureau of Nonprescription Drugs, 2nd floor, Place Vanier, Tower A, 333 River Rd., Vanier, ON KIA 1B8. The Health Protection Branch intends to study the committee's recommendations and publish its regulatory and policy proposals in an information letter. There will then be further time for receipt of responses or additional data. Dorothy M. Horwood, PhD Executive secretary to the Expert Advisory Committee on Amino Acids Drug Evaluation Division Bureau of Nonprescription Drugs Health Protection Branch Department of National Health and Welfare CAN MED ASSOC J 1991; 144 (2)
129
