Chemical Regulation at a Crossroads

Presentation of a research project as part of the "Jeudis de la Maison Suger", a residents' research seminar.

Jessica Corea is an environmental economist and Associate Professor (full) in the Department of Economics at the University of Gothenburg, Sweden. His area of research is the optimal design of environmental policies, both theoretical and applied, with an emphasis on the modeling of environmental regulation. She will join Århus University in Roskilde, Denmark, as Professor of Environmental Economics in the Social Sciences and Environmental Geography Unit.

Presentation of the project

"In this presentation, I will discuss the critical challenges facing chemical regulation today, focusing on the pervasive issues of incomplete or misleading data and the influence of industry lobbying. Concerning incomplete or misleading data, environmental regulators face significant challenges due to the “data gap,” a lack of sufficient scientific information on the vast and growing number of chemicals. Moreover, biases in scientific studies imply that some of the available data is misrepresented. Publication bias and career concerns favor overestimation of hazardousness in academia, while industry-sponsored research tends to underestimate it, often downplaying adverse effects. These data gaps and biases can lead to flawed regulatory decisions. I will discuss how such biases can distort policy outcomes, highlighting the importance of independent research and comprehensive data transparency through real-world examples. Concerning lobbying and industry influence, I will discuss the various ways chemical manufacturers influence regulatory processes through political lobbying and research findings. These efforts often aim to shape regulations in a manner favorable to industry interests. By examining the implications of such lobbying, we can uncover potential conflicts of interest and discuss how they can impact public trust and safety. By understanding these dynamics, we can work towards enhancing regulatory frameworks to better balance public health, environmental safety, and industry interests."

Speaker

 Jessica Coria, associate professor in econmics at the University of Gothenburg