Perspective

Perspective

A lot of what we do in our research at EBN is listen to claims. We hear from one group that a particular material is great for the environment, while another group tells us just the opposite. Very often, both interest groups are right …and both are wrong. How can that be? The apparent contradiction lies in selective use of information. Those on one side of an issue, such as manufacturers, will look for and report on only those studies whose results support their contentions. Those on the other side—whether public interest groups, environmental organizations, or competing industry groups—try to dig out of the scientific literature only information that reinforces their particular point of view.

The controversy over PVC, featured in this issue, is an excellent example. The vinyl industry says one thing—

basically that there’s nothing wrong with PVC—and backs up their claims with results of lots of studies, many of which they have funded. And a few environmental groups, especially Greenpeace, tell us that PVC is so deadly that we ought to remove it from our society altogether. There is no common ground to the argument.

So how do we research our articles? We have a couple of strategies. First, we always consider whether our sources have a vested interest in the information they are providing. This doesn’t mean we won’t listen to that information or that it isn’t valid, only that we will scrutinize it more carefully. Second, we seek out independent sources whenever possible. These can include government and academic researchers. Unfortunately, whether for economic, political, or personal reasons, everyone comes to a topic with some bias. Our challenge is to find those who can present balanced information in spite of their bias—and then try to do the same for you.

–Alex Wilson