Flawed Models and Industry Influence Affects Regulation of Toxic Chemicals
The EPA regularly contracts with for-profit consultancies to perform risk assessments used in evaluations of toxic chemicals. This gives these private organizations considerable sway in the decision-making process, often with little transparency about ties to chemical manufacturers. Health effects researchers point to flawed computer simulations and the revolving door between the EPA and consulting firms as the reason industry-supported research often concludes that exposure risks are of no concern.
