Document zdy03B1Bd54d9wqomBLOm60vg

14256997033 2002-02-26 19:09:21 (GMT)* page 3 2 Abstract Background: There is along history ofcorporate corruption ofliterature about the health risks of Canadian asbestos mining. Beginning in the 1930s, the Canadian asbestos industry created and advanced that idea that chrysotile asbestos is safer than asbestos of other fiber types. This was noted by Lanza in 1937: "Their argument was motivated by self-interest ratherthanto make a scientific contribution." Methods: We critically evaluate unpublished and published studies funded by QAMA and performed by researchers at McGill University. Results: The findings indicated that much of the academic literature on the health effects of asbestos mining was based upon unsound science and false claims. Conclusions: In addition to promoting the marketing and sales of asbestos, these spurious studies have had a substantial effect on policy and occupational health litigation from the 1960s onward. Until the misinformation promulgated by the industry is identified and corrected, injured workers will have no means of recompense and unsafe mining practices will continue. Key Words: asbestos, chrysotile, corruption, crocidolite, QAMA, McGill, tremolite 2