EPA perchlorate decision flawed, say advisers. The U.S. EPA’s preliminary decision not to regulate perchlorate in drinking water has elicited an outpouring of criticism, including a plea from the agency’s Science Advisory Board for more scientific transparency and a stinging critique from the agency’s Children’s Health Protection Advisory Committee. Environmental Science & Technology. 4 December 2008.

Some moms ditch plastic cups. Conflicting reports over the safety of the plastic additive bisphenol A have forced parents to decide for themselves whether to keep using plastic baby bottles and cups made with the widely used compound. Raleigh News & Observer, North Carolina. 16 November 2008. [related stories]

It's not the answers that are biased, it's the questions. One of the eyebrow-raising statistics about the bisphenol A studies is the stark divergence in results, depending on who funded them. This striking difference in studies isn't unique to BPA. Washington Post. Opinion, 15 July 2008. [related story] [Registration Required]

The attack on science. There’s a whole industry that’s working to make you, and Congress, uncertain about what science is finding about human health risks. Environment Report, Michigan. 19 May 2008.

Whitewashing toxic chemicals. Science for hire is pervasive, effective and stealthy, according to a new book about 'manufacturing doubt.' Newsweek. Opinion, 10 May 2008.

Studies on chemical in plastics questioned. Despite more than 100 published studies by government scientists and university laboratories that have raised health concerns about a chemical compound that is central to the multibillion-dollar plastics industry, the FDA has deemed it safe largely because of two studies, both funded by an industry trade group. Washington Post. 27 April 2008. [related stories] [Registration Required]

Critical reaction to research initiative. Dow Chemical and BASF, the world's two largest chemical companies, have separately agreed to fund groundbreaking academic research initiatives at two of the most prestigious U.S. universities. The partnerships are getting some faculty criticism. Chemical & Engineering News. 6 November 2007.

Traditional covert influence of industry on occupational and environmental health policies has turned brazenly overt in the last several years. More than ever before the OEH community is witnessing the perverse influence and increasing control by industry interests. Government has failed to support independent, public health-oriented practitioners and their organizations, instead joining many corporate endeavors to discourage efforts to protect the health of workers and the community. International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Health [PDF]. 2 March 2007. More... [related stories]