Safeguarding scientific evaluations by governmental agencies: case study of OSHA and the 1,3-butadiene classification.

ABSTRACT

Using the example of the industry pressures on OSHA that preceded the Agency's downgrading the carcinogenic potential of butadiene from "human carcinogen" to "possibly carcinogenic to humans" in the face of scientific evidence, the author warns of the danger to public health of the infringement on governmental agencies' decision making by special-interest groups.