Louis Anthony “Tony” Cox Jr., a Denver-based risk analyst, is leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) to challenge established research on pollutants, particularly regarding the links between air quality and health risks, such as lung cancer. Funded by the American Chemistry Council, Cox’s project aims to differentiate correlation from causation in epidemiological studies, which he has previously criticized as propaganda. His connections to industries like tobacco and oil raise concerns about bias and the potential manipulation of scientific data to favor corporate interests. Critics argue that Cox’s approach may reinforce uncertainty around pollution’s dangers, reminiscent of tactics used by the tobacco industry to obscure health risks. While he maintains his work is grounded in impartial science, experts fear that his AI tool could undermine public health regulations by promoting an overly stringent standard for demonstrating causality. The project reflects ongoing tensions between scientific research and the influence of industry lobbying on environmental health discourse.
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