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Is a Little Pollution Good for You? Incorporating Societal Values in Environmental Research

Online ISBN:
9780199827121
Print ISBN:
9780199755622
Publisher:
Oxford University Press
Book

Is a Little Pollution Good for You? Incorporating Societal Values in Environmental Research

Kevin Elliott
Kevin Elliott

Associate Professor of Philosophy

University of South Carolina
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Published online:
1 January 2011
Published in print:
7 January 2011
Online ISBN:
9780199827121
Print ISBN:
9780199755622
Publisher:
Oxford University Press

Abstract

This book examines a variety of ways in which societal values can be more effectively integrated into the numerous judgments associated with policy‐relevant environmental research. It provides a detailed analysis of contemporary research on the hypothesis of hormesis (i.e., beneficial biological effects caused by low‐dose exposure to pollutants that are ordinarily toxic). On the basis of this analysis, as well as shorter case studies of endocrine disruption and multiple chemical sensitivity, the book proposes three lessons. First, university conflict‐of‐interest policies are significantly limited in their ability to prevent interest groups from “hijacking” academic research on sensitive policy‐relevant topics. Therefore, alternative strategies are needed to preserve science that serves the public interest. Second, concerned citizens and policy makers need to more carefully determine the most appropriate forms of broadly based deliberation to be employed in response to specific areas of sensitive, policy‐relevant research. Third, the principle of informed consent, which currently provides guidance in the medical field, suggests a promising ethical framework that can help environmental scientists who disseminate debated findings to the public. Throughout, the book highlights many of the crucial ethical and societal questions surrounding research on the hormesis hypothesis. It thereby constitutes the first book‐length manuscript to provide guidance to the concerned citizens, industry groups, scientists, and policy makers who are exploring ways to respond to this phenomenon.

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