Biomonitoring Consensus Conference: Informed lay decision-making on science policies

In fall 2006, Boston University School of Public Health convened a Consensus Conference on the topic of human biomonitoring. The conference brought together 15 lay people from the Greater Boston Area to consider the ethical and political questions associated with the practice of measuring chemicals in peoples' bodies. The Boston Consensus Conference was inspired by the Danish government's use of Citizen Juries to include informed public participation in pending science and technology policies.

Over three weekends, members of the lay panel met to learn about biomonitoring, hear from experts in the field, ask questions, and ultimately come to their own conclusions about the issues raised. They summarized their findings, concerns, and recommendations in a Consensus Statement that they presented at a public event. The statement has been distributed widely to public health agencies, researchers, advocacy organizations, industry trade groups, and legislative policymakers in the U.S. and internationally.

The lay panel's deliberations reflect an unusual effort in the U.S. to find out what informed lay people think about a complicated scientific issue, and can serve as a model for involving the public in science and technology policymaking. The panel's conclusions are an important opportunity for public officials, scientists, advocates, and others to hear a voice that has been left unheard in the numerous recent discussions about biomonitoring – the voice of the public.