Document byr7eRdzw39mY4j7DrqZpo5m1

Hill and Knowlton, Inc. one McPherson square VERMONT AT K STREET, N. W. WASHINGTON, D. C 2000$ 638-2800 Memo to: John Lawrence From: Jerry Blizin Subject: ACSH Dete: 7/18/78 Copie*: B. Downey J. Hadley , M. Swetonic D. Titus J. Callaghan Enter now the American Council on Science and Health, brainchild of Dr. Elizabeth Whelan of Harvard. She held a press conference today with Norman Borlaug the Nobel laureate, to announce ACSH's plan to combat "chemical phobia" with scientific position papers, among which will be papers on vinyl chloride and plastic wraps, additives, hair dyes, etc. (see pamphlet.) A copy of her press release and opening statement is attached. J.B. Enc. ucc 011502 y- AMERICAN COUNCIL ON SCIENCE AND HEALTH 1995 BROADWAY (NEAR 68th STREET) NEW YORK. NEW YORK 10023 (212) 362-7044 Dr. ELIZABETH M. WHELAN EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR NEWS RELEASE FOR RELEASE: July 18, 1978 FOR FURTHER INFORMATION: Grace Angst (202) 785-1471 Lorraine Thelian (212) 869-1160 COUNCIL FORMED TO COMBAT CHEMICAL PHOBIA Washington, D.C., July 18--A new scientific association, the American Council on Science and Health (ACSH), has been formed "to promote a clearer understanding of how chemicals relate to the environment and to human health." In an introductory press conference today. Dr. Elizabeth M. Whelan, ACSH Executive Director, and Nobel Laureate Norman Borlaug, stressed that the Council will "combat the chemical phobia now rampant across the country." Dr. Whelan, author, epidemiologist, and public health researcher at the Harvard School of Public Health, noted that the Council is funded by contributions from individuals, foundations, and community and governmental agencies. It will be directed by a Board of Advisors* consisting of 26 medical and scientific experts in the fields of toxicology, epidemiology, public health, and animal and plant nutrition. Se enclos d brochure - more - UCC 011503 2 "Americans are worried," Dr. Whelan said, "about chemicals, food additives, convenience foods, pesticides, drugs, and toxic substances in the workplace. Chemicals in the environment have become a highly emotional issue and sometimes scientific acts are overlooked. Although everyone wants to make the right decisions to protect the public from dangerous substances, there is often disagreement on what can and should be done," she stated. "The American Council on Science and Health," she said, "will serve as a voice of science and reason on key public health issues." It will present facts and figures on the benefits and health risks associated with specific chemicals, lifestyles, and working conditions, and it will encourage the development of rational public health policies. The Council will prepare detailed position papers based on xtensive literature reviews and consultations with leading public health, nutritional, medical and environmental specialists from around the world. Two versions of each paper will be developed--a detailed t chnical report for the scientific community and a non-technical summary for the general public. Members of the Council will also be available to discuss topics related to health and the environment with media and at legislative and regulatory hearings and in other public forums. - more - ucc 011504 3 ACSH papers will deal with topics such as saccharin, nitrates and nitrites, food additives, pesticides, drugs, vinyl chloride, asbestos, microwave ovens, air and water pollution, "cancer clusters," health statistics, lifestyle effects on health, and legislation dealing with the regulation of food chemicals, among others. The American Council on Science and Health is a non-profit, tax xempt organization. Donations which are tax deductible may be sent to ACSH at 1995 Broadway, New York, New York 10023. *#t*#t* ucc 011505 V 'Vr AMERICAN COUNCIL ON SCIENCE AND HEALTH 1995 Broadway. 15th Floor New York, Nw York 10023 (212)362-7044 1: \ Dr. Elizabeth M. Whelan, Executive Director Reearch AMOdate, Harvard School of Public Health Board of Director* Dr. Elizabeth M. Whelan Research Associate Department of Nutrition Harvard School of Public Health Dr. Fredrick J. Stare Professor of Nutrition Harvard School of Public Health Mr. Joseph F. Murphy Executive Vice PresJent Continental Corporation Dr. Thomas H. Jukes Professor In Residence Medical Physics t ' - University of California, Berkeley Dr. Norman E. Borlaug . t'. r1 International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center Board of Advitan HOWAKDAPPIEDOXF. PH D.. S' r^r The American Council on ' Science and Health 1 V? ' * - . - *\f a v '. * -v,r - -'.Vt.-v;..--- r- Vs' ' - r, . ACSH d.v ; ' /if* '-f' V. , ft'. V' / ^ 4. ;V;VfS.=3: \ . ' 'v5;fj.x STPOmHeEtmNmBmA.RLReaEdTeTr mMCDombLattian#giHVeaaitrhyQCumtekmtfyht Apia HWSi AniS. ht M A BENAROE, FH D Hahnemann Medad Cato* idHa4>lto - * -V , V' ... NOAR^MtcAuNtaBmOl RTeLcAhUnGoi-pPptHt. DIwphewnMf tmf tostloMt tso*aeiM Wheat hrpigyamentCan* JOHN P CALLAN M.D GoftdH*eNiPwttaNnCeii*eny A^ctoavt Media $#acto PHftJP COLE. H D HvH School rf Put* HmMi toenuBewd Apuy to Baaaaith Oft Carter iLygn. France) - j/ >.4 ROBERTN OCVUN.PH.D Ore-army of h Haw Phyooto^t J. GEwOeRsDtoOoNpEs/DWARDS. PHD totototltoo* DEANC FLETCHER PH.D ROW* tiumrnotmt Nmwi Tonrnlipit Gone t M FOSTER PH D LtoverWy MWfeonem food Mirmtifthiipaf VCTOR HERBERT MD.JD BrMsVfUrtntArffwWM SaMeUn*wanayaftowV* WLUAMT JARyg PHD Lama Lttde Qnfrttmy ntOMAS JUtSTpHtTuMnay U CiSxs a Bsituby MiinlPImnal NaM-- WeariVUMir OLKLME.PHD NllnisiNu--iCwSM.hr * `L * -Tv';.* -:&v ' STEPHtMKAOTZMAH PHD tmnyl*..--y NmwIMi-OaMyl ' MAPeXZDKXOGPt PH D Pwrn* in Suill--, ' f \ ^W> : * . ...J..s','?:--, h;yv , StgWT [ OtJOW. M.P., PH P a LMlMMSIhMCH~i' >.. its'- SHtVABAroPorr b.DS ^sedonaaf Oman DAVAO 1 ROLL. PHD UntoMydlM ' SAXAM M SHOar.PHD.EDD S|<uIknat.tHwIVWCm. ' OOXJPAPSZS.FuUsAytteasaHEriMHaitViHiiU.siMwPOAStjtZMWnlIoSHi.iTmZWyALsiAXNE..SMCD0 HwaSAS.cLtAm.lpUtHPriiAkVArHsUlli . .sy,J'. '4-',r MPH NMiMUSPiilklWIi . * ' .. XPOHWemLOatmTuMafehVnuI.IsHacTs.tslDcSpTwtaV--OEiNiimSX P.CHmi^D a* ii1--Caisa PMSVhy SAPNrMU SesMOlWIII, lAMHViM t> XtotAKDwuon ret p hmua.o ; ' ' .3",. * . Tar,'*1' SP*^ * * - -l7fj " } * - ifV'Lv . "Ar-f" * ' ; An Educational Association Promoting ' v Scientifically Balanced Evaluations ,'ij of Chemicals and Human Health ,V-. 1-'i'.' > 'V';-'.;.;'1 . M>HAXVTY YOUNG. PH D b,UA| lW_AnMto>i Citwrtl ScWnca and Naarffe d $ mai-taidH m on BOlldO* arf iw bwarrurf ftoiww Cto r 'h"..1* .i-A-r.*T -Pa's- , r' -,w ........ r/ Mm^ihaWMi a' I ay IsisiSsrn a*e cipiaW^Mt ha aiAiaatliinnBa,' eimnawiaaiiiBiiaay mWi '\. *th:e/*'* * "V 't : - 4, *uv>*( Adjd,* 0 ,i- . ,*3 * Aw>tNlmL >Nde* d|MMaieWWefiUayia9haCtauatei si Sa--M--r-l-W ^h. -- sms< * t:. ii'l. ff..'. *P * -p . , , , * ='V" -,y. .f t ucc 011506 OP'3'J \ llA A'.K :;rv.' Why We Formed ^ -'-Food additives. "Convenience foods". Pesticides' fl V ' ., Over the course of the neat' few years, the Council plans ' Chemicals in the workplace. Ate they safe? Do they birth defects, nervous system disorders? Do we really of them? : -V> . * '*' The anxiety is understandable. For a decade we' banning* or proposed banning! of many commonly used. *' " chemicals--cydamates. Red Dye *2, DDT, TR1S, aldrin, dieldrin, ' ` and most recently, saccharin and hair dyes. We frequently hear of "cancer causing agents" in the air we breathe, the food \ we eat and the water we drink. As a result, many Americans . a- y believe that we are In the midst of an epidemic produced by an' ` array of noxious industrial chemicals. Furthermore, they believe I) Red Dye *2 * Red Dy* 4 RcdDye*4D .Colorings in General Food Additives' DoWe Need Them? r- ^MSG Hyperactivity anTFootTXSSSvet 1 "Health-foods" Sah in the Human Diet Vitamin Supplements, * Safety of . Baby Foods ITOlh" levels in Food DMkary Aflatcedns e ,,y ' ... rAspartame (sweetener) Toxins In Natufalows. Sugar 3'*-' -'TM^3JFWW0CTnn^iep<et. . j\ ~ that the only answer is to ban any substance which might be '`V,V Pesticides *il linked, no matter how remotely, with cancer or some other . /jJ- > ; . DDT Aldrin and Dieldnn andHcptachlor Chiordqnc * public health problem. ' i ` ' 245-T Pestlddes: Do We Really Need Them? . ` '^Vi -- ,,. m * 'u'-ft* f-'-*, 'jt " : Xvhy We're Different ; . -.. -1t r r,* "Environmental chemicals" have become a highly emotional f issue. ^7'.. Oral Contraceptives Post Menopausal Estrogens v,Q/er- > ttj.^.the-Counter Drugs Laetrile :v > ` Everyone wants to make the right decision when it comes to protecting the public from dangerous substances, but there's often ftf', honest disagreement on what can and should be done. . * . Unfortunately, the disagreement sometimes deteriorates into polarization. Scientific facts become clouded by emotions: <: Politics, economic interest and media magnification blur the Other Environmental Issues - C ' -p Vinyi Chloride and Plastic Wrap Asbestos Microwave '"'T Livens yCB s and PBB's Aerosol Sprays HairX>ves ,. Kepone Air, Water Pollution , "Cancer Clutters'' J - `} ` * Health and Lifestyle A,, ..j r, > * - 3 I; - usJ y> . - f : ^issues further. People "choose up sides", Self-appointed Tobacco and Cancer Tobacco and Heart Disease ' ^ 5 consumer frequently advocates, seeking to represent the public Interest, contend that American industry is threatening the ' :g$ -' public's health. Industry representatives often adopt a defensive stance or remain silent. The public, In the middle, is left VVconfused. ` " a > * . -t / -e j. % .V - --The American Council on Science and Health will attempt to; . play a difficult role, h will serve as a voice of adencc on keyy /j Tobacco and Emphysema Alcohol nrt Dim... Over- - / ' nutrition and Cancer Marijuana Diet, Heart Disease and 1 ' s 1 * . __ * I - sCancer VT> t ., -*. t'i.? 1<*k *. UX** 1 ** 7*' Community Health Measure* Vf-'". Fluoridation Swine Flu Vaccinations ^Health Statistics -- .-*<*- 4.'. ,} V- lHfvvv--VVsIr-* ts* '' public health issues. It will present facts and encourage the*'' 5? j^jCancet Trends in dielf.^^ Trends tnjfeart falsease * development of national public health policies based on reason- ` 7 . New Jersey; "Numb One" lfi'CWicer>': able assessment of benefit and risk. V" "i j'-r'js.- ' `' * %m 'rnMQM`cL,,The CoundTs finandal base Is unusual as Well. It Is funded by ^J^M^IsIstlnn/Rssulatoiy Philosophy cCoOnntrtirbibuutitoionnsi from Indihviidduuaaltsi, founddaattiioonnss*' goovearnmeant and I Toxic*Substances Bill The Delaney Clause f v.. rcommunity agendas, and is free from finandal ties with Interest fl-^roups. i ll***V ' . - ^ ; What Is s "Canew-C^uriMAUimif IAI1! Mice Lmle Mery j yf ms , . OSHA's Larctnogtn standards ^ i-,;, "( > 'w 'ft f ]LWb.tw.Pu., to do . ;: y 1 t\'\ Shtk vy V 4^ ~ I. " V->f siaff and advisors of the Ams^can Councilor! Science1 '/V Pri 7?*' l ^ bri'-? /* i T'f JS ; and Health will prepare detailed overviews of the benefits and ' v<;*i^^,.^Le,v,r - .' ' ahnedaltlhifersistyklsesa.sTsohdeat*sdanwaliythsessp.eIcnifitcbechteemrnicaclsf ,pworoifrlkoinngpcaopnednit/iwonilsl " - be based on extensive literature reviews and consultation* with ' leading public health, nutritional, medical and epvtronm'ental ^P^^s_psdaalliiasdtas^froMm aaaraokuimnJdiktheewionsrllidf A" - TM%T- FHT/*'V*-fcP'^TM'r- > <v' *. >*' V*.:^ *^' r The 'American Council on Science and Health wdl serve as an educational resource'to {he community, '. >. - v` '--providing scientlste to appear pn radio anS.teievision ~ \ w Two versions of sach position paper will be made hvailablci^'S j. * 'X^ a detailed tschhltfttreport prepared primarily for "the" sctenfficl J [ ' community' and a'suinmtey report written for Is general budience ,j and Intended for wide circulation. .* ***e'- ' ^ X^terabers Oftfie.fo^ncfl fnd designaraS*CoohSTed -- r~ --r -- v i ntoiha&li^lScientistsIb^temii it fedn^li 'ilii^^tncli , I legisjative erWregCilplq^yheariogs^ / OPENING STATEMENT By Dr. Elizabeth M. Whelan Executive Director American Council on Science and Health 1995 Broadway New York, New York 10023 (212) 362-7044 Tuesday, July 18, 1978, 10 a.m. National Press Club Washington, D.C. ucc 011508 1 We are here in Washington today to officially announce the for mation of the American Council on Science and Health. The Council is an independent educational association dedicated to promoting scientifically balanced evaluations of the relationship of chemicals, the environment and human health. Before I get into a brief overview of why the Council was formed, who we are and what we plan to do, I'd like to' take a moment for intro ductions. I'm Dr. Elizabeth Whelan. I'm a Research Associate at the Harvard School of Public Health and Executive Director of the Council. My professional training -- a Masters Degree from the Yale School of Medicine, a Masters and Doctoral degree from the Harvard School of Public Health -- is in the area of epidemiology and public health. With me here today is Dr. Norman Borlaug, Director of the Inter national Wheat Research and Production Program of the International Maiz and Wheat Improvement Center in Mexico City. Dr. Borlaug holds Masters and Doctoral Degrees in plant pathology from the University of Minnesota. He is a world reknowned leader in agricultural research and the recipient of the 1970 Nobel Peace Prize for his revolutionary approach to Third World food problems. Dr. Fredrick J. Stare, physician and nutritionist, professor of nutrition at the Harvard School of Public Health, founder of the Depart ment of Nutrition, former Chairman of that Department. Dr. Stare holds Masters ..and Doctoral Degrees from the University of Wisconsin, an M.D. from the University of Chicago, honorary doctoral degrees from Suffolk University in Boston, the University of Dublin, Ireland, Muskingum College in Ohio. UCC 011509 1 2- - Dr. Robert Olson, a clinical nutritionist, Alice A. Doisy, Professor and Chairman of the Department of Biochemistry at the School of M dicine, St. Louis University Medical Center. Dr. Olson receiv d his Ph.D. from St. Louis University, an M.D. from Harvard Medical School, was Director of the Anemia and Malnutrition Research Center, in Chiang Mai Thailand for 10 years, between 1967-1977. He is a i member of the Food and Nutrition Board of the National Academy of Sciences. Other Council Board of Advisors and Directors are listed on the brochure we've distributed. Scientists who have now affiliated them selves with the Council represent a wide variety of medical and scienr' tific disciplines including nutrition, epidemiology, agricultural sciences, pharmacology, education, energy systems analysis, dentistry, ntomology, food science, psychiatry and internal medicine. The Council was formed to meet one specific need: to provide the public with factual, unbiased information on subjects relating to chemicals, the environment and human health. * In recent years, Americans have become noticeably anxious about food additives, convenience foods, pesticides, drugs, chemicals in the workplace. For a decade we've witnessed bannings or proposed bannings of many commonly used chemicals -- cyclamates, Red Dye #2, DDT, TRIS, aldrin, dieldrin and most recently, hair dyes and saccharin. We frequently hear of "cancer-causing agents" in the air we breathe, the food we eat and the water we drink. As a result, many people believe we are in the midst of an epidemic produced by an array of noxious industrial chemicals. Furthermore, they assume that the only answer is to ban any substance which might be linked, no matter how remotely, with canc r or some other public health problem. UCC 011510 - ^ y Those of us associated with the American Council on Science and Health feel that facts about chemicals are often distorted, the whole story not told, and that decisions are made more on the basis of emotion and politics rather than science. During this decade, indi viduals who term themselves consumer advocates and claim to represent the public interest, have frequently contended that American industry is threatening the public's health --by putting dangerous additives in our food, spraying crops with dangerous chemicals, polluting the air and water with hazardous occupational chemicals. On the other side are the industry executives and scientists who either defend themselves and their products or, more often, choose to remain silent out of fear of tarnishing their public image. The consumer advocates have dominated, and federal regulatory agencies have succumbed to their pressure and banned or restricted use on a number of chemicals. Only rarely are the voices of more rational scientists heard in discussions relating to chemicals ^in health. There are such voices to be heard, indeed, by the Council's assessment, these scientists are in the overwhelming majority. But these individuals are scattered around the country and have no mechanism O'* for speaking out on such issues in a coordinated manner; generally/snot "media oriented";and may, unlike their consumer activist counterparts, O' f be intimidated by the prospect of appearing on TV or radio; or,more interested and comfortable in laboratory research than they are in scientific policy decision-making. The American Council on Science and Health feels that the time has come for the introduction of a new type of "consumer advocate", one who is committed both to keeping the environment free of chemicals which threaten human health and to improving the quality of life in America. The Council is an association of concerned scientists wh'o ar alarmed that chemical and cancerphobia has damaged this country UCC 011511 and unless arrested will damage it even more. The Council will provide the scientific information needed by this new breed of consumer advo cate, one who wants decisions based on he classic scientific method, following the standard guide line which compares benefit and risk. The Council's source of concern is fourfold: First, continued bannings of useful and safe items without any scientific justification served to make life unnecessarily less enjoyable for all of us. We are a wealthy nation -- and we can manage without a few chemicals. But we can't do without everything. Second, the concern over chemicals which have never been shown to threaten human health has led to a serious confusion in our federal research priorities. Third, the current panic over chemicals is having the unfor tunate effect of inhibiting industrial research for the types of additives, pesticides and drugs which could increase our chances for a longer, more productive and comfortable life. Government over-regulation, through questionable interpreta tion and implementation of legislation designed to protect th consumer has added years and millions of dollars to the develop ment of such products. Fourth, frequent false alarms about alleged cancer-causing agents, have been distracting Americans from real health threats by confusing individual priorities for personal preventive medicine. The American Council's staff and advisors have now begun to prepare detailed overviews of the benefits and health risks associated with specific chemicals, working conditions and lifestyles. O^r first^ position papers, to b released late this fall, will focus on five specific suh-ifrts: sacchAyjw, w rT-11*if| cancer in New Jersey, UCC 011512 Y 5 naturally-occurring carcinogens in food, and the relationship between diet and heart disease. -In future months, position papers will be released on such topics as fluoridation, nitrates and nitrites, vinyl chloride, and pending federal legislation, including the newly pro posed carcinogen standards of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. These analyses, in the form of position papers, will be based on extensive literature reviews and consultations with leading public health, nutritional, medical and environmental specialists from around the world. Two versions of the position paper will be made available: a detailed technical report prepared primarily for the scientific community, and a summary report written for a general audience and intended for wide circulation. Members of the Council and designated Council advisors will be available to discuss the position papers -- and indeed will seek out such interviews --at regulatory hearings and in other public forums, particularly radio, television and press interviews. The American Council on Science and Health is a nonprofit associ ation exempt from federal income tax under Section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code. The Council plans to seek funds from individual foundations, government and community agencies. The Council intends t to remain free from financial ties with corporations with a financial interest in the topics we are investigating. In other words, we have not nor intend to take money from the food or chemical industries. We have received an initial $100,000 grant from the Sarah Scaife Founda tion (Pittsburgh) to initiate our efforts. We are now actively seek ing other grants, and particularly encourage individuals who recognize the need for a more balanced approach to chemical and food regulation to support our fforts. 011513 \ 6 Contributions -- all of which are tax deductible -- should be sent to the American Council on Science and Health, 1995 Broadway, N w York, New York 10023. We can now take questions if there are any. But I must remind you that the Council has just recently formed. Our purpose here is to let you know of our existence, and encourage you to use us as a resource for information on chemicals, the environment and health. Given that we have not yet issued position papers, we cannot now sp ak as a group on specific issues. UCC 011514 ? 38 24, 1978 NEW COUNCIL WILL TAKE ON DELANEY CLAUSE FOOD CHEMICAL NEWS The newly-formed American Council on Science and Health has put the Delaney clause near the top of Its list of priorities -- and Intends to Issue a position paper on It some time this fall. Executive Director Dr. Elizabeth Whelan Indicated at a Washington, D. C., press conference announcing the Council's formation last week. Other position papers are to be Issued this fall on saccharin, naturally-occurring carcinogens In food, the relationship between diet and heart diseases, and cancer In New Jersey, she stated, with future papers planned on nitrites and nitrates, vinyl chloride, and fluoridation. Whelan said the Council was formed "to provide the public with factual, unbiased information on subjects relating to chemicals, the environment, and human health," and added that the Council is concerned that: -- "... Continued bannlngs of useful and safe items without any scientific Justification served to make life unnecessarily less enjoyable for all of us. x x x " -- "... The concern over chemicals which have never been shown to threaten human health h^s led to a serious confusion In our federal research priorities." .. The current panic over chemicals Is having the unfortunate effect of inhibiting industrial research for the types of additives, pesticides and drugs which could increase our chances for a longer, more productive and comfortable life. Government overregulation, through questionable interpretation and implementation of legislation designed to protect the consumer, has added years and millions of dollars to the development of such products." -- "Frequent false alarms about alleged cancer-causing agents have been distracting Americans from real health threats by confusing individual priorities for personal preventive m dlclne." The Council "Intends to remain free from financial ties with corporations" with food or chemical financial interests, Whelan said,.and will seek money from foundations and from individuals. ACSH will provide scientific information for concerned scientists "who are alarmed that chemical and cancerphobla has damaged this country," she Indicated. Formation of the Council was hailed by Rep. Martin (R-N.C.) as "timely." Martin noted that the saccharin episode has given "backbone" to politicians and scientists who want to differentiate between potent and not-so-potent carcinogens. The Congressman described the saccharin report prepared by Dr. Morris Cranmer, National Center for Toxicological Research (See FOOD CHEMICAL NEWS, July 3, ^^>ag s 3, 4, and 5; and July 10, Page 9), as putting the risks In "perspective." ucc 011515