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Scientific Integrity

 

Industry intimidation of environmental health scientists is a longstanding problem. In the 1970s, Dr. Herbert Needleman found his work under fire after publishing data linking children’s lead exposure to lower IQs. When he looked back at the history of research on lead, he discovered that his experience was hardly new:

“Two Australians, A. J. Turner and J. L. Gibson, who first described childhood lead poisoning in Brisbane in 1892, were derogated by industry and by a segment of the medical community. When Randolph Byers, one of the earliest pediatric neurologists, first suggested in 1943 that some school dysfunction might be due to undiagnosed lead toxicity, he was threatened with a million dollar lawsuit by Lead Industries Association.”

Scientific integrity is more important than ever — and it is under threat. The persistent problem of industry influence on science and policy in public agencies is reaching new, concerning levels. Corporations are ramping up pressure on university scientists as well, particularly those pursuing “commercially inconvenient” research on chemicals and other environmental drivers of disease. CHE and our partners shine light on this problem through an ongoing series of webinar discussions and blogs. We also provide resources and tools to support researchers.

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