Document 91z9avZDyX72Y8KDa5bqgkOaV

Issue: Shanghai Benzene Study AGM Relevance: [one-two sentences] The Houston Chronicle has been pursuing a campaign to raise the profile of air quality in the Houston Ship Channel area. The same reporter has now published a report tying the situation in the US to the Shanghai study and claiming that the study is biased because of funding from multi-national oil companies, including Shell. Recent Events: [two-three most important items for the AGM] On 29 April, the Houston Chronicle published an article on the study alleging that it was biased. The newspaper claimed that results of the study had already been determined, and funding from Shell Chemicals, BP, ChevronTexaco, Conoco Phillips and Exxon Mobil would ensure that the results 'contradicted cancer claims'. Key Messages: [no more than three sQecific Qositive key' messages] Shell is contributing to a study in Shanghai that aims to better understand the health risks from exposure to benzene. Our support for this study is as part of the company's ongoing commitment to health, safety and product stewardship. The study is wholly independent of Shell. It is run by Fudan University in Shanghai, the University of Colorado Health Services Centre and Applied Health Sciences, an independent research firm in San Francisco. The research is being overseen by a scientific and ethics review panel composed of 14 world-renowned independent experts in the field. The results of the study will be published in scientific journals. Q&AlComment Response: [no more than 2-3 questions you think will be asked] Isn't Shell funding this study to rebut claims that exposure to benzene causes cancer? No. Shell is providing funding to this study because we are committed to better understanding the relationship between benzene exposure and health in order to protect industry workers and customers. Surely the findings will be biased as the study is industry-funded ... No. The study is independent, and is being led by the Fudan University Medical Centre in Shanghai, the University of Colorado Health Services Centre and Applied Health Sciences, an independent research firm in San Francisco. The research is also being overseen by a scientific and ethics review panel composed of 14 world-renowned independent experts in the field. Haven't the results of the study already been decided? No. The independent investigators conducting the study have full control over all interpretations and conclusions that may be drawn from the data when the study is completed, which is currently scheduled for 2007. SH ELL-MCCLU RG-0663S7 Shanghai Benzene study Q&A, 16.05.05 Q. Isn't Shell funding this study to rebut claims that exposure to benzene causes cancer? A. No. Shell is providing funding to this study because we are committed to better understanding the relationship between benzene exposure and health in order to protect industry workers and customers. Q. Surely the findings will be biased as the study is industry-funded ... A. No. The study is independent, and is being led by the Fudan University Medical Centre in Shanghai, the University of Colorado Health Services Centre and Applied Health Sciences, an independent research firm in San Francisco. The research is also being overseen by a scientific and ethics review panel composed of 14 world-renowned independent experts in the field. Q. Haven't the results of the study already been decided? A. No. The independent investigators conducting the study have full control over all interpretations and conclusions that may be drawn from the data when the study is completed, which is currently scheduled for 2007. Q. How is Shell involved with this study? How frequently does Shell meet the people running the study and what influence does it have over the content of the research being undertaken? A. Shell, along with BP, Chevron, Conoco Phillips, and ExxonMobil, is a sponsor of the study. Shell has representatives on the Benzene Health Research Consortium Oversight, Technical, Budget, and Communications committees. Shell attends the annual meeting where investigators report progress. The study is completely independent of the sponsoring companie. Q. Why did Shell decide to get involved with this study?A.Shell has a strong commitment to HSE and product stewardship. Shell believes that it is necessary to understand the potential health effects of the products that we manufacture so we can protect the health of our workers, contractors, customers, and those who may come in contact with benzene. Q. Will Shell be funding similar studies into other toxics e.g. butadiene? A. Shell sponsors research on many of the chemicals that we produce, including butadiene. Q. If the study shows a causal relationships between benzene and human health, what compensation will Shell pay to people affected by benzene? A. Q. How can you claim this study is independent when you are funding it? A. The study is being conducted by independent researchers at Fudan University, University of Colorado Health Sciences Centre, and Applied Health Science. The research is being overseen by a scientific and ethics review panel composed of 14 world-renowned independent experts in the field. Sponsors are providing the funding for this study, but do not have any influence on the protocols or data results. Q. When will the findings be published? SH ELL-MCCLU RG-066358 A. It is expected that data collection will be completed in 2006 with papers being published in 2007. SH ELL-MCCLU RG-066359