epa unaware of industry ties on cancer review panel

[xchrom]

http://www.nationofchange.org/epa-unaware-industry-ties-cancer-review-panel-1361104406

In September 2010, scientists at the Environmental Protection Agency came to a startling conclusion: Even a small amount of a chemical compound commonly found in tap water may cause cancer.

The compound, hexavalent chromium, gained infamy in the Oscar-winning filmErin Brockovich, based on the David-vs.-Goliath legal duel between desert dwellers in Hinkley, Calif., and Pacific Gas & Electric Co. The film ends in Hollywood fashion, with the corporate polluter paying $333 million to people suffering from illnesses.

But in real life, the drama continues. More than 70 million Americans drink traces of chromium every day, according to the Environmental Working Group, a nonprofit research organization.

And now, more than a decade after the film, EPA scientists cite “clear evidence” that the chemical compound, also known as chromium (VI), can cause cancer. The federal agency was poised to announce its findings in 2011, a step almost certain to trigger stricter drinking-water standards to prevent new cancers and deaths.

[Divernan]

1. This report reflects very badly on the EPA/Obama - and portends worse re fracking oversight.

"President Obama pledged during his 2008 campaign to halt meddling and interference in government science. The president put restoring integrity to science on his short list of priorities in his first inaugural address, right after fixing the economy and before health care reform. “We'll restore science to its rightful place,” he said.

"The story of chromium (VI), full of twists and turns, offers a case study in how the Obama administration has failed to shield science at the EPA from industry influence."

[Buzz Clik]

2. Obama's fault? Well, not really.

Once this is called to his attention and if it is true and he does not act, then it reflects badly.

Otherwise, just another SNAFU.

[Buzz Clik]

3. This is a problem specific to this committee, and somebody needs serious punishment.

Anyone who participates in these panels must declare no conflict of interest and/or list all possible conflicts. They sign a form and have it notarized. It is a legal document. If the panel/committee director (EPA person) was aware of this and did nothing, then they must be fired. If the committee member lied, then they have violated some federal laws.

If conflict of interest can be proven, somebody is in trouble.

But here's one for you: Cr(VI) is a niche area in environmentally related sciences (health, chemistry or whatever). Are people who have been hired to act as experts for somebody like Brockovich in conflict as well? Many times, their opinion is only valuable to the plaintiff if health effects are known and accepted. If we eliminate anyone who has ever made a dime consulting on Cr(VI) claims, who would be left to serve on the committee?