It seems that deliberate misinterpretation of a research description has caused the EPA to cancel a research project designed to learn how already existing pesticides might be harming children, according tothis from Wired News The acting administrator of the EPA announced that the project can't go forward, due to all the hullabaloo, saying," 'EPA must conduct quality, credible research in an atmosphere absent of gross misrepresentation and controversy.'"
The project, as it was proposed, was not going to introduce ANY children to new contaminants. It was designed to go into homes of people who used pesticides regularly, measure amounts of existing chemicals, and gauge health and mental issues for the kids within. They were not-- I repeat NOT, as hysterical Barbara Boxer accused -- planning to perfom "this immoral program to test pesticides on children." They were trying to find out if some of those chemicals should be removed from use, especially in low-income homes.
If Boxer had wanted to object to this research on legitimate grounds, she should have looked at the potential conflict of interest, considering that roughly a quarter of the funding for the research was coming from the American Chemistry Council. Instead, she pushed the panic button over what I can only guess was a chemically-self-induced paranoid delusion, or an obvious inability to read actual texts of scientific proposals.
Details of the original basic proposal can be found here, but what was to have been expected of participants goes as follows:
Participants are not required to use pesticides or to change any of their regular household routines or how they normally use bug sprays (pesticides).
Allow two of our researchers to visit you at your home every 3 to 6 months for two years. If pesticides are used, notify researchers to arrange a time at your convenience to conduct study activities before and after the use of pesticides. The visit will take approximately 2 hours per day or per visit.
Videotape (the video camcorder will be provided) some of your child’s activities and keep an activity diary about your child.
Allow your child to wear a small watch size activity sensor during the study period. (Approximately 1 week every 3 - 6 months)
Help to collect some samples of food and urine. Our research staff will show you how to do this and provide you with needed supplies.
Keep track of your home pesticide and cleaning products use.
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