Mining Industry Threatens Journals To Keep Diesel Exposure Data Secret

The Patton Boggs lobbying firm, which represents the mining industry, has sent letters threatening unspecified legal action against four scientific journals if they publish results of a study about the exposure of miners to diesel emissions, according to Science magazine.

"Editors with at least four research publications say they have received a letter advising them against 'publication or other distribution' of data and draft documents. The warning, including a vague statement about 'consequences' that could ensue if the advice is ignored, is signed by Henry Chajet, an attorney at the Patton Boggs firm," Science reported.

The $11.5-million occupational health study is enmeshed in a two-decade-old lawsuit, and mining companies claim they are entitled to review the study before it is published.

• "Journals Warned To Keep a Tight Lid on Diesel Exposure Data," Science, February 17, 2012, by Sam Kean.