ACC Calls Upon Global Leaders To Take Action Against IARC Over Deliberate Manipulation Of Data

WASHINGTON, Oct. 20, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Cal Dooley, President and CEO of the American Chemistry Council (ACC) issued the following statement on the Reuters investigation into the International Agency for Cancer Research's (IARC) controversial Monograph 112.

"Today's Reuters report undermines IARC's conclusions about glyphosate, but it also raises troubling new evidence that IARC has shown a lack of objectivity, credibility and integrity. The deliberate omission of critical evidence demonstrated by this news report should cause deep concern among all individuals and institutions who believe that dispassionate science should be the great truth-teller and equalizer in heated policy debates. In this case it appears that the science was truthful, but IARC was not.

"IARC's rewriting of the glyphosate Monograph to remove conclusions that glyphosate did not cause cancer in animals is a serious violation of public trust. Considering earlier revelations that a major study exonerating glyphosate was withheld from the Monograph working group, there is ample evidence that the IARC's classification of glyphosate is invalid. Any policy decisions that have been based on IARC's glyphosate findings should be reexamined as they can no longer be justified. 

"This incident also calls into question the credibility of other Monographs because it is unknown whether this was an isolated incident or evidence of a widespread practice. IARC's refusal to discuss the allegations and its warning to Monograph participants that they should not comment on deliberations and editing related to the glyphosate Monograph creates further suspicion that IARC has something to hide.

"ACC and others have called for reform of IARC based on a persistent lack of transparency and widespread conflicts of interest within the Monographs program. These are important critiques of IARC policies and procedures that must be addressed. However today's allegations of blatant manipulation of information and disregard for clear scientific evidence supports the urgent need for a full investigation by an unaffiliated third party. Ultimately, the leadership and staff of IARC must be held accountable.

"I urge all countries and organizations that provide funding to IARC to join me in the call to investigate the Monographs program and to implement reforms."

To learn more visit campaignforaccuracyinpublichealthresearch.com. 

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The American Chemistry Council (ACC) represents the leading companies engaged in the business of chemistry. ACC members apply the science of chemistry to make innovative products and services that make people's lives better, healthier and safer. ACC is committed to improved environmental, health and safety performance through Responsible Care®; common sense advocacy designed to address major public policy issues; and health and environmental research and product testing. The business of chemistry is a $768 billion enterprise and a key element of the nation's economy. It is among the largest exporters in the nation, accounting for fourteen percent of all U.S. goods exports. Chemistry companies are among the largest investors in research and development. Safety and security have always been primary concerns of ACC members, and they have intensified their efforts, working closely with government agencies to improve security and to defend against any threat to the nation's critical infrastructure.

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SOURCE American Chemistry Council