Chemical politics are increasingly focusing on chemical use in consumer products. Emerging scientific research, including endocrine disrupter studies and body burden surveys, suggests that products are important sources of chemical risks. This article uses the concept of civic epistemology to investigate knowledge production about chemical risks in products. Using the case of phthalates in toys and cosmetics, this article analyzes how environmental health non-governmental organizations are critiquing regulatory science, attempting to change standards of evidence and proof, and introducing data about product use. Briefly comparing developments in the United States and Europe reveals such civic epistemology elements more clearly.
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