Safeguarding scientific evaluations by governmental agencies: case study of OSHA and the 1,3-butadiene classification.
Using the example of the industry pressures on OSHA that preceded the Agency's downgrading the carcinogenic potential of butadiene from "human carcinogen" to "possibly carcinogenic to humans" in the face of scientific evidence, the author warns of the danger to public health of the infringement on governmental agencies' decision making by special-interest groups.
Infante
Peter F
PF
Goerge Washington University, School of Public Health and Health Services, Washington, DC 20037, USA. pinfante@starpower.net
D002070:Butadienes / Q000145:classification* / Q000633:toxicity; D002273:Carcinogens / Q000145:classification* / Q000633:toxicity; D015984:Causality; D006801:Humans; D007221:Industry / Q000592:standards*; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000592:standards; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012586:Science / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D014481:United States; D014489:United States Occupational Safety and Health Administration / Q000592:standards*
D002070:Butadienes; D002273:Carcinogens; C031763:1,3-butadiene