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EPA Dumped Toxicologist at Industry Request

Chemical manufacturer complained of bias

By Lucas Laursen,  Newser Staff

Posted Feb 29, 2008 2:25 PM CST

(Newser) – The EPA removed an award-winning toxicologist from a chemical review panel at the urging of the chemical-industry lobby, reports the LA Times. Deborah Rice had previously testified in the Maine legislature that deca, used as a flame retardant in electronics, may have adverse effects on brain development. Lobbyists said her damning testimony disqualified her from reviewing it for the EPA.

In what observers say is an unprecedented move, the EPA took her off the panel reviewing evidence of the dangers she had studied, saying it wished to avoid "the perception of a potential conflict of interest.” Environmentalists charge the EPA with applying a "dangerous double standard," saying many pro-industry experts have served on panels in the Bush administration.  

The EPA removed a scientist from a chemical review board at the behest of the chemical lobby, the Los Angeles Times revealed. The review board was charged with investigating the effect of deca, a chemical compound commonly used as a fire retardant in consumer electronics, on neurological development.
The EPA removed a scientist from a chemical review board at the behest of the chemical lobby, the Los Angeles Times revealed. The review board was charged with investigating the effect of deca, a chemical...   ((c) Noël One)
Deca, a flame-retardant used in the casings of TV sets, is being investigated by the EPA for potentially toxic effects on development. (AP Photo/Kamal Khan)
Deca, a flame-retardant used in the casings of TV sets, is being investigated by the EPA for potentially toxic effects on development. (AP Photo/Kamal Khan)   (Associated Press)
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Stephen Johnson testifies on Capitol Hill in Washington, Thursday, Jan. 24, 2008. The EPA removed a scientist from a chemical review board at the behest of the chemical lobby, the Los Angeles Times revealed. (AP Photo/Dennis Cook)
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Stephen Johnson testifies on Capitol Hill in Washington, Thursday, Jan. 24, 2008. The EPA removed a scientist from a chemical review board at the behest...   (Associated Press)
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Stephen Johnson is sworn in on Capitol Hill in Washington, in this file photo dated Thursday, Jan. 24, 2008. The EPA removed a scientist from a chemical review board at the behest of the chemical lobby, the Los Angeles Times revealed. (AP Photo/Dennis Cook)
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Stephen Johnson is sworn in on Capitol Hill in Washington, in this file photo dated Thursday, Jan. 24, 2008. The EPA removed a scientist from a chemical...   (Associated Press)
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