The Project on Scientific Knowledge and Public Policy (SKAPP) is developing case studies to explore the use of science in government decision-making and in legal proceedings. Each will provide a distinct lens to examine themes in debates about the quality and meaning of scientific evidence relied upon by courts and regulatory agencies. These themes include the challenges and opportunities of scientific uncertainty; and the discordance between the nature and workings of the system of scientific inquiry on the one hand and the evidentiary needs of decision-makers involved in considering issues of public protection, compensation or liability on the other. SKAPP welcomes feedback and suggestions for additional topics to examine.

Battles Over Bisphenol A: Bisphenol A, an estrogenic chemical used in plastics, has been shown to have developmental, reproductive, behavioral and neurological effects at low doses. This case study explores the choice that government agencies face: continue relying on industry-funded studies that say bisphenol A is safe, or listen to independent experts who say that current exposures threaten children and developing fetuses.

A case of regulatory failure — popcorn workers lung: Mounting scientific evidence shows that occupational exposure to the chemical diacetyl, which is often used to flavor microwave popcorn and other products, puts workers at risk of bronchial illnesses. This case study illustrates that NIOSH has acted on this issue while OSHA has done little to protect workers from diacetyl's hazards, and the EPA has failed to release its study results until industry representatives are given an opportunity to review it. (See Documents Related to Popcorn Workers Lung.)

Diesel particulate matter (DPM): This case study, published in the American Journal of Public Health (February 2006) profiles the efforts of a mining-industry coalition to impede protections for underground miners who are exposed to excessive levels of diesel exhaust and particulate matter. (updated 2/9/07)

Hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)): Faced with the threat of stronger regulation of workplace exposure of Cr(VI), a powerful carcinogen, the chromium industry initiated a coordinated effort to challenge the scientific evidence supporting a more protective standard. This case study outlines the chromium industry's strategy. (updated 5/12/06)

Perfluorooctonoic acid (PFOA): The story of perfluorooctanoic acid, a chemical used in the manufacturing of Teflon, is a useful illustration about the importance of litigation to protect public health when our current regulatory system requires minimal testing to ensure the safety of chemicals. (updated 6/05/06)

Phenylpropanolamine (PPA): This case study reviews disputes about medical and epidemiologic evidence associating use of phenylpropanolamine-containing products with stroke. Pharmaceutical manufacturers attempted to block evidence from being used in court cases brought by stroke victims and their families. The case study describes rulings by two courts. (updated 5/12/06)

ACGIH Threshold Limit Values:This case study examines an industry-funded campaign to challenge the internally-recognized health-protective standards issued by the American Conference of Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH).

FOIA Battle over OSHA Industrial Hygiene Data: Some of the key documents in a two-year legal battle over disclosure of air sampling results collected during OSHA inspections.

NIOSH Letter In Support of Annual Respirator Fit Testing:  In this July 9, 2007 letter, NIOSH Director John Howard, MD affirmed the scientific basis for an annual fit test as required by OSHA’s existing respirator standard.  Nearly 50 scientists and occupational health and safety experts sent a letter to Congressman David Obey, Chair of the House Appropriations Committee, expressing strong opposition to a proposed amendment by Roger Wicker (R-MS) to impede TB protections for health care workers.