As society's awareness of environmental effects on public health
has grown, scientists (especially epidemiologists) have been
increasingly drawn into the public arena. The design of studies, the
manipulation of statistics, and additional risk factors influence the
acceptance of "hazards" as clearly causing certain diseases.
In addition, the often major economic effects of reducing these health
hazards make formulation of public policy concerning their control a
fractious business. Environmental scientists, the media, lawyers, and
politicians have difficulty dealing with multifactoral disease, and are
still learning how the questions should be framed for an informed
public debate on the issues raised. Environmental Health Risks and
Public Policy compares decision making in Canada, Britain, and the
United States, and the impact of different political traditions on the
process. The place and limitations of formal risk assessment are
discussed.