Trump science adviser casts doubt on links between pollution and health problems

Comments by science review board chairman add weight to fears that Trump administration is aiming to discredit research to justify scrapping regulations

A conservative science adviser to the Trump administration is casting doubt on longstanding research linking fossil fuel pollution to early deaths and health problems, worrying environmental experts.

At a meeting to review air pollution science compiled by staffers at the Environmental Protection Agency this week the advisory board chairman, Tony Cox - a consultant and statistician who has worked for the industry and criticized EPA standards - questioned whether soot from coal plants and cars can be directly blamed for asthma and cardiopulmonary problems.