Secrecy in science: the flock worker's lung investigation
Article Abstract:
The case of an occupational physician who was fired from his job when he tried to report a new occupational disease illustrates the necessity of solving the problems faced by scientists whose work is financed by industry. When he first investigated cases of lung disease at a nylon flocking plant, he signed a confidentiality statement provided by the company that owned the plant. Consequently, the company tried to prevent him from presenting his findings at a scientific meeting. After he was fired, he sued his former employer as well as the company. These types of cases will become more frequent in the future.
Publication Name: Annals of Internal Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0003-4819
Year: 1998
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Medical scientists and health news reporting: a case of miscommunication
Article Abstract:
Both journalists and health scientists may need to share the blame for misinformation about results of scientific studies relayed to the public. Both groups have motives to sensationalize the results of a study. Scientists want attention drawn to their work and reporters want a quick headline story. Reporters may not cover follow-up research or dig deep enough to unearth inherent study biases and scientists may not publicly present them. Medical scientists may be reluctant to publicize some research results and reporters may only be interested in a limited number of topics.
Publication Name: Annals of Internal Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0003-4819
Year: 1997
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Flock worker's lung: chronic interstitial lung disease in the nylon flocking industry
Article Abstract:
A new occupational disease called flock worker's lung is described. The disease was first brought to the attention of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health when physicians reported two cases of lung disease in workers at a nylon flocking plant in Rhode Island. Seven cases of a similar lung disease had been reported from the same company's Canadian plant. All workers at the Rhode Island plant with symptoms of lung disease had complete physical exams, including lung biopsy if necessary. Six more cases were identified.
Publication Name: Annals of Internal Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0003-4819
Year: 1998
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