Public Health Chronicles

Research findings provide the basis for estimates of risk. However, research findings or “facts” are subject to interpretation and to the social construction of the evidence.1 Research evidence has a context. The roles of framing, problem definition, and choice of language influence risk communication.2 Since data do not “speak for themselves,” interest groups can play a critical role in creating and communicating the research evidence on risk. An interest group is an organized group with a narrowly defined viewpoint, which protects its position or profits.3 These groups are not exclusively business groups, but can include all kinds of organizations that may attempt to influence government.4,5 Interest groups can be expected to construct the evidence about a health risk to support their predefined policy position.6 For example, public health interest groups are likely to communicate risks in a way that emphasizes harm and, therefore, encourages regulation or mitigation of a risk.7 Industry groups are likely to communicate risks in a way that minimizes harm and reduces the chance that their products are regulated or restricted in any way. Disputes about whether a risk should be regulated are sometimes taken to the legal system for resolution.8 Thus, interest groups often have two major goals: to influence policy making and to influence litigation.