Science, Vol 222, Issue 4626, 894-900
Copyright © 1983 by American Association for the Advancement of Science
Law and science policy in federal regulation of formaldehyde
NA Ashford,
CW Ryan,
and
CC Caldart
An examination of the way in which the Environmental Protection Agency, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, and Consumer Product Safety Commission each responded to evidence of formaldehyde's carcinogenicity in animal systems reveals the interplay between politics and science policy in regulatory determinations. In some cases there were significant and unjustified departures from reasoned decision-making. Agency decisions not to take action deserve special attention by citizens, the Congress, and the judiciary to ensure that federal regulatory agencies take the necessary steps to protect the public from significant health, safety, and environmental risks.