Institute, which studies environmental risks, is subject of a preliminary probe

[Guest guest]

Congress checking RTP facility

Institute, which studies environmental risks, is subject of a

preliminary probe by two members

Dr. Schwartz's financial records have been requested.

A quick look at the NIEHSNIEHS researches the ways environmental

exposures influence the development and progress of diseases. It

considers exposures to pollutants, chemicals, allergens and naturally

toxic substances. It also runs the National Toxicology Program, the

government agency that designates substances as confirmed or

suspected carcinogens or as threats to normal human development.

Some of its higher profile projects explore asthma attacks among

inner-city children, potential dust hazards from the twin towers

collapse on Sept. 11, 2001, and possible toxic effects from herbal

products.

* Number of employees in RTP: 664 full time

* Number of research grants awarded: 799 in 2006

* Annual budget for the journal Environmental Health Perspectives:

$3.1 million in 2006; $2.6 million (estimated) in 2007

* Monthly circulation of the journal: About 1,500

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Clabby, Staff Writer

Members of Congress are asking pointed questions about the National

Institute of Environmental Health Sciences and demanding personal and

professional financial records of its director.

The institute, one of the prestigious National Institutes of Health,

normally keeps a low profile on a sheltered campus tucked into

Research Triangle Park. Its $710 million budget pays for studies on

environmental risks to human health.

Now U.S. Reps. Henry Waxman, D-Calif., and Dennis Kucinich, D-Ohio,

are investigating director Schwartz's efforts, starting in

2005, to privatize an institute journal. They have requested

financial records from the accomplished researcher, including details

on his personal consulting jobs and investments.

" Multiple sources have contacted the committee to raise additional

questions about your conduct as director of NIEHS " beyond criticism

of proposed changes proposed at the journal, a March 30 letter from

the congressmen states.

Staff for Waxman and Kucinich declined to discuss the inquiry into

Schwartz's finances except to say that it was highly preliminary. The

push to understand Schwartz's efforts to modify the journal stems

from a desire to preserve the independence of the publication, they

said.

Neither Schwartz nor NIEHS would comment on the query. Requested

records have been sent to the U.S. House Committee on Oversight and

Government Reform, said NIEHS communications director

Bruske Flowers. Waxman and Kucinich are leaders of the committee.

Environmental groups voiced opposition two years ago when Schwartz

floated the idea of privatizing Environmental Health Perspectives,

the institute's journal, partly to save money. The journal publishes

research and news stories exploring risks tied to exposure to

chemicals and other environmental hazards.

Critics of change said axing government support for the publication

could make the journal dependent on advertising, decreasing its

ability to publish findings critical of products made by potential

advertisers. Plus, it might not be as freely accessible. While a

print subscription costs $249 a year, the journal is free online.

After criticism mounted, Schwartz last year wrote in EHP that the

institute would continue to produce the journal. In a letter to NIH

director Elias Zerhouni, the congressmen say it appears that NIEHS

may be moving ahead with another proposal to privatize the journal,

though they cite no specifics. They asked Zerhouni to suspend any

changes until their committee can investigate.

Before becoming NIEHS director in 2005, Schwartz was a successful

doctor-scientist at Duke University where he chased genetic clues to

how pollutants harm human lungs. Soon after the pulmonologist was

selected to succeed former NIEHS director Dr. Olson, Schwartz

created a splash by resisting newly created NIH conflict-of-interest

rules.

He delayed taking the job, informing Zerhouni that some of the rules

would prevent him from attracting top talent to NIEHS and harm him

personally, though he did not publicly disclose how. He took the job

when, he said, Zerhouni assured him that new rules limiting personal

investments in pharmaceutical, biotechnology and medical equipment

companies would be loosened.

NIH refused a 2005 News & Observer public records request and a 2006

appeal for correspondence between Schwartz and Zerhouni on the

matter, saying it was exempt from public records because it dealt

with personnel issues.

The congressmen requested records that detail NIEHS money earmarked

for Schwartz's personal or professional use and all financial

disclosure forms he has submitted to NIH. They also want specifics on

his private consulting work and financial interests in enterprises

affected by NIH research and regulation.

Staff writer Clabby can be reached at 956-2414 or at

catherine.clabby@....

[Guest guest]

One by one, the government *and many privately funded* organizations that

have tried to protect people from toxics are disappearing.

There must be a reason.