The Ties That Blind

The scientists who advise the U.S. EPA on regulatory decisions often have ties to the very industries that would be affected by the regulations being assessed, according to a study scheduled to be released today by the General Accounting Office, a congressional watchdog agency. In one case, seven of 17 members of a Science Advisory Board panel studying the cancer risks of a toxic chemical worked for chemical companies or for industry-affiliated research organizations; five of the other members had received consulting or other fees from chemical manufacturers.