Chemical Consequences : Environmental Mutagens, Scientist Activism, and the Rise of Genetic Toxicology

Here is the first historical and sociological account of the formation of an interdisciplinary science known as genetic toxicology, and of the scientists social movement that created it. After research geneticists discovered that synthetic chemicals were capable of changing the genetic structure of living organisms, scientists began to explore how these chemicals affected gene structure and function. In the late 1960s, a small group of biologists became concerned that chemical mutagens represented a serious and possibly global environmental threat. Genetic toxicology is nurtured as much by public culture as by professional practices, reflecting the interplay of genetics research and environmental politics. Drawing on a wealth of resources, Scott Frickel examines the creation of this field through the lens of social movement theory. He reveals how a committed group of scientist-activists transformed chemical mutagens into environmental problems, mobilized existing research networks, recruited scientists and politicians, secured financial resources, and developed new ways of acquiring knowledge. The result is a book that vividly illustrates how science and activism were interwoven to create a discipline that remains a defining feature of environmental health science. Dr. Frickel has described in clear and elegant prose a complex set of scientific developments and social interactions that reveal how a new scientific field (genetic toxicology) was born, flourished, and matured. A fascinating look at the interactions among scientists beyond the lab bench.-David M. DeMarini, Ph.D., U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

In this clear, engaging and important study, Frickel tracks the rise of an activist science, in the process reframing our understanding of science and public culture.-M. Susan Lindee, Department of History and Sociology of Science, University of Pennsylvania

Here is the first historical and sociological account of the formation of an interdisciplinary science known as genetic toxicology, and of the scientists' social movement that created it.

After research geneticists discovered that synthetic chemicals were capable of changing the genetic structure of living organisms, scientists began to explore how these chemicals affected gene structure and function. In the late 1960s, a small group of biologists became concerned that chemical mutagens represented a serious and possibly global environmental threat.

Genetic toxicology is nurtured as much by public culture as by professional practices, reflecting the interplay of genetics research and environmental politics. Drawing on a wealth of resources, Scott Frickel examines the creation of this field through the lens of social movement theory. He reveals how a committed group of scientist-activists transformed chemical mutagens into environmental problems, mobilized existing research networks, recruited scientists and politicians, secured financial resources, and developed newways of acquiring knowledge. The result is a book that vividly illustrates how science and activism were interwoven to create a discipline that remains a defining feature of environmental health science.

Scott Frickel is an assistant professor of sociology at Tulane University. Chemical Consequences is his first book.

Annotation Here Is The First Historical And Sociological Account Of The Formation Of An Interdisciplinary Science Known As Genetic Toxicology, And Of The Scientists' Social Movement That Created It. After Research Geneticists Discovered That Synthetic Chemical Were Capable Of Changing The Genetic Structure Of Living Organisms, Scientists Began To Explore How These Chemicals Affected Gene Structure And Function. In The Late 1960s, A Small Group Of Biologists Became Concerned That Chemical Mutagens Represented A Serious And Possibly Global Environmental Threat. Genetic Toxicology Is Nurtured As Much By Public Culture As By Professional Practices, Reflecting The Interplay Of Genetics Research And Environmental Politics. Drawing On A Wealth Of Resources, Scott Frickel Examines The Creation Of This Field Through The Lens Of Social Movement Theory. He Reveals How A Committed Group Of Scientist-activists Transformed Chemical Mutagens Into Environmental Problems, Mobilized Existing Research Networks, Recruited Scientists And Politicians, Secured Financial Resources, And Developed New Ways Of Acquiring Knowledge. The Result Is A Book That Vividly Illustrates How Science And Activism Were Interwoven To Create A Discipline That Remains A Defining Feature Of Environmental Health Science 1. Situating Genetic Toxicology -- 2. Working On Mutations -- 3. Making Room For Environmental Mutagens -- 4. A Wave Of Scientist Collective Action -- 5. Framing Scientist Activism -- 6. Organizing A Scientists' Movement -- 7. Conclusion : Environmental Knowledge Politics In Practice -- App. A. Scientists Interviewed -- App. B. Timeline Of Institutionalizing Events In Environmental Mutagenesis/genetic Toxicology, 1964-1976. Scott Frickel. Includes Bibliographical References (p. 175-191) And Index. Frickel (sociology, Tulane U.) examines a scientists' social movement that became the study of genetic toxicology. As a group of scientists became aware that synthetic chemicals could change genetic structures, they became activists, developing a network of researchers and politicians, establishing funding, and publishing articles and books that came to define environmental health science. Frickel explains how researchers on mutations had to carefully differentiate those caused by synthetic chemicals, developing new methods of acquiring and analyzing data. The results were so alarming, and convincing, that the scientists were able to enlist the aid of others with expertise into a unique social movement based on evidence rather than mere emotional reaction; they then began to work within the political arena to inform those who made environmental policy. Appendices include a list of scientists interviewed in this study and a timeline of events from the beginnings of the movement in 1964 through 1976. The interdisciplinary science known as genetic toxicology is nurtured as much by public culture as it is by professional practices, reflecting the interplay of genetics research and environmental politics. Drawing on a wealth of resources, Scott Frickel examines the creation of this field through the lens of social movement theory. He reveals how a committed group of scientist-activists transformed chemical mutagens into environmental problems, mobilized existing research networks, recruited scientists and politicians, secured financial resources, and developed new ways of acquiring knowledge. The result is a book that vividly illustrates how science and activism were interwoven to create an interdiscipline that remains a defining feature of environmental health science.