The authors of studies critical of industry can find themselves facing a barrage of attacks, both from lawyers and the industry’s own PR machine. Corporations “work with attorneys and public relations professionals, using scientists, science advisory boards, front groups, industry organisations, think tanks, and the media to influence scientific and popular opinion of the risks of their products of processes. The strategy, which depends on corrupt science, profits corporations at the expense of public health,” the paper concludes. “The strategy developed by corporations working in concert with law and PR firms has been successful in limiting both liability and regulation.”

Rankin Bohme S, Zorabedian J, Egilman D. Maximising profit and endangering health: Corporate strategies to avoid litigation and regulation. International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Health, volume II, number 4, pages 338-348, October-December 2005 [pdf].