Tittabawassee River Watch Editorial
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4/20/04 Garabrant's not listening
Opinion:
Dr. Garabrant may be to close to the forest to see the trees. Recent
correspondence between the MDCH/ATSDR and Dr. Garabrant reveals a fundamental flaw
in his study that has nothing to do with the
technical details: Lack of trust.
The MDCH and ATSDR deal with chemical companies every day and are quite familiar with the
method and tactics used to create studies which complicate and confuse the issue at hand [More]. The comments by the MDCH and ATSDR on the proposed
study are intended to put public trust back into the study and it's outcome.
Dr. Garabrant's arrogant response to oversight issues seems to be promoting the
agenda of a silent partner (Dow?). Why does he care? Is not public health the
issue here? Garabrant's recent response only confirms what the public suspects, the
deck will be stacked in favor of industry and the outcome predetermined.
Garabrants observations that the MPHI has ties to the MDCH is correct. And it is being
done for a good reason: public trust.
My recommendation to Dr. Garabrant: accept the ATSDR and MDCH recommendations pertaining
the the MPHI, SAB, and CAP. Once this is done, all the issues with the technical
details can be worked out in an environment favoring the protection of the public rather
than Dow profits. Anything else is unacceptable. Gary Henry TRW
ATSDR/MDCH comments on Garabrant study Garabrant response to ATSDR/MDCH comments