Organochlorines and breast cancer: the uses of scientific evidence in claimsmaking

This paper explores the role and utilization of scientific evidence concern ing one of the potential adverse health impacts (breast cancer) of the use of chlorine through examining the aims of an environmental group, Greenpeac e, and its opponents. Specifically, the paper identifies the claims of Gree npeace and the scientific evidence used to justify those claims in its (Tho rnton, 1993) report Chlorine, Human Health and the Environment: The Breast Cancer Warning. A media analysis was conducted over a ten year period to as sess what counter-claims were generated. The claims-making activities of br east cancer advocacy groups, scientists, pro-chlorine groups, and environme ntalists were monitored. To counter the Greenpeace claims, pro-chlorine sup porters argued for the responsible use of science, and redefined the chlori ne issue as one of public health and economic security. The counter-claims between the supporters and the opponents of the chlorine issue stemmed from differences in their agendas, values, and solutions proffered in the envir onmental health policy domain. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights re served.