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Manufacturing uncertainty: Contested science and the protection of the public's health and environment

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  • Michaels, D.
  • Monforton, C.

Abstract

Opponents of public health and environmental regulations often try to "manufacture uncertainty" by questioning the validity of scientific evidence on which the regulations are based. Though most identified with the tobacco industry, this strategy has also been used by producers of other hazardous products. Its proponents use the label "junk science" to ridicule research that threatens powerful interests. This strategy of manufacturing uncertainty is antithetical to the public health principle that decisions be made using the best evidence available. The public health system must ensure that scientific evidence is evaluated in a manner that assures the public's health and environment will be adequately protected.

Suggested Citation

  • Michaels, D. & Monforton, C., 2005. "Manufacturing uncertainty: Contested science and the protection of the public's health and environment," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 95(S1), pages 39-48.
    • Handle: RePEc:aph:ajpbhl:10.2105/ajph.2004.043059_4
    DOI: 10.2105/AJPH.2004.043059
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    1. repec:sae:envval:v:19:y:2010:i:1:p:7-31 is not listed on IDEAS
    2. Liliana Cori & Gabriele Donzelli & Francesca Gorini & Fabrizio Bianchi & Olivia Curzio, 2020. "Risk Perception of Air Pollution: A Systematic Review Focused on Particulate Matter Exposure," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(17), pages 1-27, September.
    3. John C Besley & Aaron M McCright & Nagwan R Zahry & Kevin C Elliott & Norbert E Kaminski & Joseph D Martin, 2017. "Perceived conflict of interest in health science partnerships," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 12(4), pages 1-20, April.
    4. Tess Legg & Jenny Hatchard & Anna B Gilmore, 2021. "The Science for Profit Model—How and why corporations influence science and the use of science in policy and practice," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 16(6), pages 1-24, June.
    5. Conde, Marta, 2014. "Activism mobilising science," Ecological Economics, Elsevier, vol. 105(C), pages 67-77.
    6. Amalia Mattiello & Paolo Chiodini & Elvira Bianco & Nunzia Forgione & Incoronata Flammia & Ciro Gallo & Renato Pizzuti & Salvatore Panico, 2013. "Health effects associated with the disposal of solid waste in landfills and incinerators in populations living in surrounding areas: a systematic review," International Journal of Public Health, Springer;Swiss School of Public Health (SSPH+), vol. 58(5), pages 725-735, October.
    7. Marco Meyer & Chun Wei Choo, 2024. "Harming by Deceit: Epistemic Malevolence and Organizational Wrongdoing," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 189(3), pages 439-452, January.
    8. Katharina van Baal & Stephanie Stiel & Peter Schulte, 2023. "Public Perceptions of Climate Change and Health—A Cross-Sectional Survey Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(2), pages 1-11, January.
    9. Kristin Shrader-Frechette & Andrew M. Biondo, 2020. "Protecting Children from Toxic Waste: Data-Usability Evaluation Can Deter Flawed Cleanup," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(2), pages 1-35, January.

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