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," [2] Science, February 17, 2012, by Sam Kean.