Attachment F

~~
WORL D HEALTH LS ORGANISATION MONDIALE
ORGANIZATION ee. / DE LA SANTE
WREY

CENTRE INTERNATIONAL DE RECHERCHE SUR LE CANCER
INTERNATIONAL AGENCY FOR RESEARCH ON CANCER

150,.COURS ALBERT-THOMAS — 69372, LYON Cédex 2—FRANCE
Tel.(78)75 81 aj- Telégr. Uniconcer Lyon — Telex 380023—

In reply please refer to : C2/12/11 OSHA cey # 28 May 1981]

Pritre de tappeler la référence :
17764

Dear Mr Auchter,

Iam forwarding to you my reply to a letter dated 12 May
1981, reference Pri/tn, from Dr Peter Infante, a member of your
staff,

Dr Infante's letter not only casts aspersions on the
competence and objectivity of the Working Group of the IARC who
evaluated formaldehyde, but further, by its tone appears to be
an attempt by a United States Regulatory Agency to influence the
decisions of the Working Group.

The IARC is an organization Operating under the auspices of
eleven countries -(including the United States) and is an
autonomous part of the World Health Organization. The competence,
objectivity and scientific reputation of the advisors who comprise

the Working Groups Gf the Agency are universally acknowledged by
governments, universities, industry and trade unions.

While we do appreciate constructive comments and criticisms,
it is important that those which reflect on the Agency's scientific
advisors should be accurately documented before being circulated
emong the scientific community; this is especially true where «he
criticism comes from a governmental body within a Perticipating
state.

As it is my duty to protect the reputation of the Agency's
Scientific edvisors, I feel that you should be aware of my views
Yours sincerely,

on Dr Infante's unusual action.

John AxGcin§on, M.p.
Director

 

Mr Thorne G. Auchter
Assistant Secretary

co a oy Noa

Orc unatianal eatasi. 22