Deanna L. Byck

Deanna L. Byck is the Director of Public Health Policy for the American Council on Science and Health, a private organization that provides information to the public on science and health issues. In the following viewpoint, she argues that environmentalist organizations have greatly exaggerated the role chemicals play in causing cancer. Little scientific evidence exists that establishes a link between trace levels of chemicals in humans and cancer, she asserts.

As you read, consider the following questions:

1. What reports and studies does Byck cite in her arguments"
2. What are the eight modifiable risk factors for human cancer, according to the author"
3. How do claims of chemical dangers harm public health, according to Byck"

In September 1998, the Journal of the National Cancer Institute (NCI) confirmed that the apparent increase of brain tumors in...