I think the situation is a result of both a personal and social epistemological problem. How much of a commitment should an individual or a society make to a policy or decision which is based on knowledge that is uncertain.
I understand that corporate America has a vested interest in suppressing studies which show their products in a bad light and that these corporations influence lots of politicians. But that problem aside, how do we decide when knowledge is good enough to establish policy which can have substantial social costs and benefits?
Lots of people seem quite happy to make hugely significant personal decisions solely on faith. Me, I'm reluctant to do that and I don't think that faith should be the basis of social policy. On the other hand, certainty for most questions is just impossible.

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1977 300d 70k--sold 08
1985 300TD 185k+
1984 307d 126k--sold 8/03
1985 409d 65k--sold 06
1984 300SD 315k--daughter's car
1979 300SD 122k--sold 2/11
1999 Fuso FG Expedition Camper
1993 GMC Sierra 6.5 TD 4x4
1982 Bluebird Wanderlodge CAT 3208--Sold 2/13