The scientists who advise the U.S. EPA on regulatory decisions often have ties to the very industries that would be affected by the regulations being assessed, according to a study scheduled to be released today by the General Accounting Office, a congressional watchdog agency. In one case, seven of 17 members of a Science Advisory Board panel studying the cancer risks of a toxic chemical worked for chemical companies or for industry-affiliated research organizations; five of the other members had received consulting or other fees from chemical manufacturers.