Paying particular attention to how politicians and bureaucrats in the two countries deal with the scientific uncertainty that pervades environmental decision making, Harrison and Hoberg analyse case studies of seven controversial substances suspected of causing cancer in humans: the pesticides Alar and alachlor, urea-formaldehyde foam insulation, radon gas, dioxin, saccharin, and asbestos. They weigh the strengths and weaknesses of each country's approach according to five criteria: stringency and timeliness of the regulatory decision, balancing of risks and benefits by decision makers, opportunities for public participation, and the interpretation of science in regulatory decision making. The Canadian approach is exemplified by closed decision making, case-by-case review that relies heavily on expert judgement, and limited public debate about the scientific basis of regulatory decisions. In contrast, regulatory science in the United States is characterized by publication of lengthy rationales for regulatory decisions, reliance on standardized procedures for risk assessment, and controversy surrounding the interpretation of scientific evidence.

Completely revised and updated, this respected reference offers comprehensive and current coverage of every aspect of vaccination--from development to use in reducing disease. It also includes access to a companion Web site for more coverage.

Highly respected, established text – a definitive reference in its field – covering in detail many methods of the elimination or prevention of microbial growth "highly recommended to hospital and research personnel, especially to clinical microbiologists, infectioncontrol and environmental-safety specialists, pharmacists, and dieticians." New England Journal of Medicine WHY BUY THIS BOOK? Completely revised and updated to reflect the rapid pace of change in this area Updated material on new and emerging technologies, focusing on special problems in hospitals, dentistry and pharmaceutical practice Gives practical advise on problems of disinfection and antiseptics in hospitals Discusses increasing problems of natural and acquired resistance to antibiotics New contributors give a fresh approach to the subject and ensure international coverage Systematic review of sterilization methods, with uses and advantages outlined for each Evaluation of disinfectants and their mechanisms of action

Scientific evidence is crucial in a burgeoning number of litigated cases, legislative enactments, regulatory decisions, and scholarly arguments. Evaluating Scientific Evidence explores the question of what counts as scientific knowledge, a question that has become a focus of heated courtroom and scholarly debate, not only in the United States, but in other common law countries such as the United Kingdom, Canada and Australia. Controversies are rife over what is permissible use of genetic information, whether chemical exposure causes disease, whether future dangerousness of violent or sexual offenders can be predicted, whether such time-honored methods of criminal identification (such as microscopic hair analysis, for example) have any better foundation than ancient divination rituals, among other important topics. This book examines the process of evaluating scientific evidence in both civil and criminal contexts, and explains how decisions by nonscientists that embody scientific knowledge can be improved.