Uncertainty, reassurance and pollution: the politics of epidemiology in Teesside

摘要: Abstract This article focuses upon longstanding controversy surrounding the health impact of air pollution from steel and chemical industries in conurbation Teesside, Northeast England. Drawing on Ulrich Beck's analysis risk, it presents a commentary ways which epidemiological findings are incorporated or marginalised conflicting public narratives taking recent research mortality patterns for detailed scrutiny. I argue that where issues contentious politicised, inconclusiveness such plays significant part sustaining “narrative reassurance” about possible environmental costs living close to industrial operations.