United States. Environmental Protection Agency

Articles, reports, presentations, and research data compiled and generated by Dr. Kathryn Mahaffey which document studies of chemical contaminants in foods, especially lead and mercury, and measures taken to reduce risk from the 1970s through the 2000s.

The collection documents the varied research and policy-making career of this environmental health specialist with the U.S. Department of Heath, Education and Welfare and the Public Health Service. His papers contain a wealth of primary source research materials and scientific data related to: environmental and industrial hygiene; radon activity; use of beryllium as a rocket propellant; uranium mining; and toxicological, biological and chemical weapon systems.

Samuel S. Epstein devoted his career to the study and identification of carcinogenic mechanisms in industrial pollutants, pesticides, cosmetics, food, as well as the entire range of environmental contaminants. He used his knowledge and experience to warn the public of risk, to advocate for regulation, to encourage cancer prevention measures, and to serve as an expert witness on the public's behalf on issues of toxic contamination and disease.