Scientific integrity program

The memorandum was eventually revoked, but the altered chemical assessments were not corrected and the scientists fear the policy memo will be reinstituted, according to PEER. EPA exposed for hiding chemical risks, favoring corporate interests. EPA whistleblower testifies her advocacy for stronger health protections drew agency retaliation. Chlorpyrifos: common pesticide tied to brain damage in children.

Food for Thought. Close this module. Return Overview: PhD theses. Return Overview: PhD Programs. Return Overview: Internships. Return Overview: General terms and conditions. Return Overview: Press information. Return Overview: Publications Annual reports. Return Overview: Contact. Return Overview: About Sanquinnovate. Return Overview: Portfolio. Return Overview: Spin-Offs. Shortly after taking office, President Biden launched a review of federal scientific integrity policies, saying "scientific findings should never be distorted or influenced by political considerations.

The directive said "Improper political interference in the work of federal scientists PEER describes what it calls "major" hindrances within the EPA's Scientific Integrity program, including a "lack of investigative staff," an "inability to draw upon expertise needed to assess technical issues," and the "absence of any protocol for reviewing or investigating complaints.

And notably, violations of the agency's scientific integrity policy carry no penalties, PEER said. The group's experience representing whistleblowers indicates violations are largely addressed by trying to "persuade non-compliant managers to address their own violations," PEER said. The group said with respect to the current whistleblower complaints PEER is involved in, the EPA scientists notified the agency's office of scientific integrity last November about their concerns about a memorandum that made policy changes they scientists said weakened human health assessments in a way that made them less likely to find risks with a new chemical substance.

Their concerns were ignored for months, according to PEER. The memorandum was eventually revoked, but the altered chemical assessments were not corrected and the scientists fear the policy memo will be reinstituted, according to PEER. In the EPA's report, the agency said that "Scientific integrity remains an ongoing priority for EPA," and said the agency works with special advisors and committees and engages the Office of Inspector General OIG when needed to protect and advance the integrity of the agency's scientific work.

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