The journal, Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Public Health (EBPH), has been asked to consider retracting articles on asbestos by Edward B. Ilgren et al. because of scientific and ethical failures.
EBPH is the official journal of the Italian Society of Medical Statistics and Clinical Epidemiology (SISMEC).
In a letter sent on August 11, 2015, scientists request that EBPH and SISMEC carry out a number of actions, including:
- Seriously evaluate the possibility of retracting Ilgren’s articles.
- Carry out a thorough evaluation of the scientific and ethical quality of the peer review process used by the EBPH reviewers to assess Ilgren’s articles.
- Initiate an investigation to evaluate whether Ilgren’s articles comply with the scientific standards and editorial policies of EBPH and whether there is any evidence of editorial fraud by Ilgren and colleagues.
The letter is available here.
Earlier complaint raised issue of failure to disclose conflicts of interest
In July 2015, a number of scientists from Italy and other countries submitted a complaint to EBPH regarding failure to disclose conflicting interests in the article by Ilgren et al., Critical reappraisal of Balangero chrysotile and mesothelioma risk.
EBPH responded that it was discussing with its Publisher and the Executive Committee of SISMEC the adoption and implementation of a clear policy requiring Conflict of Interest Statements.
Sat, Aug 15, 2015
Asbestos