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Session: Scientific Integrity in Regulation
3214.0: Monday, November 8, 2004: 12:30 PM-2:00 PM
Oral
Scientific Integrity in Regulation
Corporate interests and industry-pocket research institutes are attempting to prevent or delay health-protective regulations through congressional strategies such as The Data Quality Act (DQA). The history and inception of the Data Quality Act by corporate interests will be demonstrated, followed by case studies of challenges under the Data Quality Act. Discussion of case studies includes the methods used to manipulate scientific findings, manufacture scientific doubt, and protect corporations from litigation and liability. A corporate law firm has challenged the EPA to remove warnings of asbestos hazards for brake workers; an update on the challenge, and response by EPA is discussed. The Perchlorate Study Group, a self-stated coalition of aerospace, defense, chemical, and allied industries has challenged the scientific data supporting EPA recommended standards for clean up of perchlorate, a rocket fuel pollutant in drinking water sources throughout the U.S.; an update on the challenge strategy is discussed. The implications for these challenges are discussed with reference to occupational, public, and environmental health. Public health and occupational health professionals should be aware of these attempts by corporate interests to weaken protective health standards.
Learning Objectives: At the end of the session, participants will be better equipped to review and critically analyze challenges to regulations under the Data Quality Act.
Panelist(s):Thomas McGarity
Barry Castleman, ScD
Jennifer B. Sass, PhD
David Michaels
Organizer(s):Jennifer Sass, PhD
Organized by:Occupational Health and Safety
Endorsed by:Environment
CE Credits:CME, Health Education (CHES), Nursing

The 132nd Annual Meeting (November 6-10, 2004) of APHA