Scientific discourse, in public.

The experience of writing for a wider audience has benefits and drawbacks. Attempting to make scientific issues more accessible to non-scientists is no easier than explaining them to peers. Indeed, explaining toxicological data such as solvent measurements from a hazardous waste site can be even more difficult, especially in addressing those living next to the site. Alastair Hay reconsiders his experience in two cases that brought toxicology under public scrutiny.