UPDATED: 11:53 p.m. February 08, 2008

CDC under investigation over Katrina cancer risk

Congressional committee also looks into whether agency retaliated against scientist

By ALISON YOUNG
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Published on: 02/09/08
 
A congressional committee is investigating "disturbing allegations" that officials at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suppressed critical information about cancer dangers posed by trailers housing Hurricane Katrina victims.

The committee also is looking into whether the Atlanta scientist who sought to make the risks public has been the subject of retaliation by the agency.

 
In a letter this week to CDC Director Julie Gerberding, committee members warned that they expect her to protect the scientist, Christopher De Rosa.

"The agency's conduct has called into question its ability to investigate public health hazards accurately and appropriately in the future," wrote the chairman and two subcommittee chairmen from the House Committee on Science and Technology in a letter Wednesday to Gerberding.

"Apparently in retaliation, Dr. De Rosa was removed from his post and given a job ... that appears to include no real responsibilities," the letter said.

CDC spokesman Glen Nowak said Friday the agency has not suppressed any science, nor has it retaliated against De Rosa. "The integrity of CDC's science is paramount to everything we do," Nowak said.

……………….

For the whole article please go to the link (beginning of this e-mail)

READ THE PDF FILES
Feb. 6 letter from congressional investigators to CDC's Julie Gerberding
http://alt.cimedia.com/ajc/pdf/ATSDR%20020608.pdf
Copy Crimes/CDCCoverUP/ATSDR 012808.pdf

Jan. 28 letter from congressional investigators to CDC's ATSDR
http://alt.cimedia.com/ajc/pdf/ATSDR%20012808.pdf
Copy Crimes/CDCCoverUP/ATSDR 020608.pdf