Looking for info on culture of dioxin diffusion/resistance

[Michael Zara <zara@OCF.Berkeley.EDU>]

	 I am an anthropology student at UC Berkeley doing research on the
scientific/industrial/techno-political cultures that support dioxin
production/pollution, as well as those who oppose it. 
	I am looking into, as the focus now stands, just what processes and
ideologies operate to allow the continued creation and release of dioxins
and other pollutants, that cloud analysis of the scientific evidence, and
the evidence itself, with uncertainty, etc.
	I am intrigued by the Wingspread concepts, particularly the Precautionary
Principle, which correlates a lot with the idea that equality of treatment
tends to favor the more powerful in a dispute, and with certain *major*
problems with tort and environmental law as we understand them. But these
are just facets of the underlying ideologies.
	I'm interested in anything, but in particular items that lie on the
dividing line between academic and governmental opposition and advocacy,
because I, like the general, non-hard-science public, don't fully
inderstand all the implications of the science and research. So we all rely
on the experts, which is a condition that has generated a considerable
culture (rather an instrumental one).
	I've gotten a lot from reading this list for the past month, and I am now
wondering if anyone can offer any specific direction, since you all are
actively involved. I'm just getting started, so please forgive the
generalities.

	Here are some specific questions, though:
	Why hasn't the EPA released an official version of the latest drafted
dioxin study?
	Have there been any assays of bleached rayon in tampons for dioxin
content? Let alone any studies that bear upon the absorbtion of dioxins
from this medium? 
 
Thanks.

Michael Zara
zara@ocf.berkeley.edu