Re: More misconceptions

[Guest guest]

Don't lose all hope of ethics in medicine. Over the past month, the AAAAI

has received numerous letters from physicians and researchers regarding the

inadequecies of this new Mold Position Statement. They are working to correct

their errors. Dr. Portnoy has asked that his name be removed from the

document. Without going into detail, he is tired of always being viewed as

being in

the " other camp " by everyone!

The AAAAI has asked Dr. Portnoy to assist in writing a more moderate

version. This is a wonderful thing Dr. Portnoy is doing. He is a moderate

physician on the subject of mold who is very well respected in his field. His

words

carry much weight. Dr. Leung, the editor of the JACI has also been quite

helpful, as has Mr. Kruger the Policy Director.

This is a portion of what I sent to Reuters today:

Dear Editor,

Today, Reuter's put out an article by a Ms. Clementine Wallace regarding

the new article of mold illnesses as published in the JACI.

I wanted to let you know that the American Academy of Asthma, Allergy and

Immunology (AAAAI) is rethinking this position statement. It has recently

been brought to their attention by numerous physicians and researchers from

across the US and Canada that the document is not based on current accepted

scientific evidence. The Conflicts of Interest of the authors, who are

prolific

expert defense witnesses in mold litigation, were not disclosed and are now

being looked at and taken into account.

The following is just two examples. One, is an email from one of the

authors of the document requesting his name be withdrawn. The other is an

email indicating the JACI's intent to redo the document.

Sincerely,

Sharon Kramer

From Dr. Portnoy to me:

Hi Sharon.

Here is a copy of my response to the position statement listed above

FYI.

I have asked to have my name removed from it.

Jay Portnoy.

------------------------------------

Hi Sharon:

Dr. Leung asked me to write a Rostrum article in which I give a balanced

assessment of the mold issue.

In doing this I will try to write a document that parties on both sides of

the issue can feel comfortable with, if possible. That won’t be easy but I

will give it a try.

Jay M. Portnoy, MD

Chief, Section of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology

Children's Mercy Hospital