Samet J M, Burke T A
Department of Epidemiology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Md 21205, USA.
Am J Public Health. 2001 Nov;91(11):1742-4. doi: 10.2105/ajph.91.11.1742.
In this issue, Glantz and Ong offer a powerful analysis of the tobacco industry's attempt to discredit the scientific evidence on passive smoking, particularly the industry's use of the label "junk science." Environmental epidemiologic studies in other arenas have also been targets for the "junk science" label. Lessons for researchers involved in high-stakes issues in the public policy arena include a need for awareness of competing interests, for transparency concerning funding, and for adherence to rigorous quality assurance and peer review practices. The goal of "sound science" seems an admirable one; it should not, however, be used to dismiss available but uncertain evidence in order to delay action.
在本期中,格兰茨和翁对烟草业试图诋毁关于被动吸烟的科学证据进行了有力分析,尤其是该行业对“垃圾科学”这一标签的使用。其他领域的环境流行病学研究也成为了“垃圾科学”标签的目标。对于参与公共政策领域高风险问题研究的人员来说,教训包括需要意识到利益冲突、资金来源透明以及坚持严格的质量保证和同行评审做法。“可靠科学”的目标似乎令人钦佩;然而,它不应被用来忽视现有但不确定的证据以拖延行动。