The integrity of the researchers in the University of Michigan Tittabawassee River Flood plain dioxin blood level study continue to be questioned.

Several people at last night's community meeting brought harsh criticism of the study including calling lead researcher Doctor David Garabrant a "shill" for Dow Chemical. Garabrant says although Dow is paying $14million to fund the study that doesn't not affect his integrity as a professional scientist while studying this controversial issue. Previously questioned have been Garabrant's part on advisory panels which have included Dow executives. Beyond University controls, a panel of scientists including a ranking member of the Environmental Protection Agency on dioxin are overseeing the UofM study protocol to keep it on the ethical high road.

Final results of the study are expected to be released in late 2006.