ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) — A doctor who testified in Alaska about the use of toxic chemicals in flame retardant clothing and furniture has been accused by Washington state officials of failing to acknowledge ties to the chemical industry.
The Anchorage Daily News reports Dr. David Heimbach testified against proposed Alaska legislation that would have banned toxic chemicals in flame retardants used in clothing and furniture.
Heimbach is the retired burn center director at Seattle’s Harborview Medical Center. Between 2010 and 2012, he testified at least three times in Juneau.
Civil charges brought by staff of the Washington Medical Quality Assurance Commission say Heimbach portrayed himself as a neutral physician as he told false stories about burn victims.
The charges say Heimbach was paid as a consultant by chemical manufacturers.
