A PBS documentary tonight by Bill Moyers focuses on the dangers of exposure to vinyl chloride, asserting that the chemical industry has gone to great lengths to cover up the risks of the chemical, which is used for making plastic products. For example, a 1984 industry document outlines how the industry created the illusion of grassroots support for its positions by establishing a group with a misleading name — the Citizens for Effective Environmental Action Now — and spending $150,000 to pressure members of Congress to act in the industry’s interest. The American Chemistry Council, the industry trade association, has accused Moyers of “journalistic malpractice” for not including interviews with its spokespeople in the documentary. Moyers responded, “I consider myself in good company to be attacked by the industry that tried to smear Rachel Carson.”
