Elizabeth Whelan

American public health advocate

Elizabeth M. Whelan (December 4, 1943 – September 11, 2014) was an American public health advocate and founder of the American Council on Science and Health (ACSH). She was known for her controversial views on various health issues, including her opposition to the regulation of tobacco and her skepticism of the risks associated with pesticides and other chemicals.

Early Life and Education

Elizabeth Whelan was born in New York City, New York. She pursued her undergraduate studies at Connecticut College, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree. She then went on to receive a Master of Public Health (MPH) from the Yale School of Medicine and a Doctor of Science (ScD) in public health from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.

Career

Elizabeth M. Whelan

Whelan began her career in public health as a researcher and writer. She was particularly interested in the communication of health risks to the public. In 1978, she founded the American Council on Science and Health, a consumer education consortium that aimed to provide a balanced perspective on health issues.

American Council on Science and Health

The ACSH, under Whelan's leadership, focused on debunking what it considered to be unfounded health scares. The organization published numerous reports and articles challenging the perceived dangers of various substances, including artificial sweeteners, food additives, and pesticides. Whelan was a vocal critic of the Environmental Protection Agency and other regulatory bodies, arguing that they often exaggerated risks and imposed unnecessary regulations.

Controversies

Whelan's work was not without controversy. She was often criticized for her ties to industry groups and for downplaying the risks associated with smoking and other health hazards. Her stance on tobacco was particularly contentious, as she argued against the Food and Drug Administration's regulation of tobacco products, claiming that such regulation would not significantly reduce smoking rates.

Publications

Elizabeth Whelan authored several books and articles on public health topics. Her works often focused on the theme of "junk science" and the importance of evidence-based decision-making in public health policy. Some of her notable publications include "Panic in the Pantry" and "Toxic Terror."

Legacy

Whelan's legacy is a complex one. While she was praised by some for her efforts to bring scientific rigor to public health debates, she was also criticized for her perceived alignment with industry interests. Her work continues to spark discussion about the role of science in public policy and the balance between regulation and innovation.

Related Pages

• American Council on Science and Health
• Public health
• Risk communication
• Tobacco regulation