Policy principles for utilizing science in decision-making on chronic health issues

Journal Article · Thu Dec 01 04:00:00 EST 1988 · Regul. Toxicol. Pharmacol.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/0273-2300(88)90048-7· OSTI ID:6345683

Hoerger, F; Plaut, J A; Stevenson, D E

Scientific advances will continue to contribute to our understanding of latent chronic diseases related to chemical exposure. Regulatory agencies must deal with a complex matrix of emerging scientific information, a diversity of potential risk situations, and a variety of statutory prescriptions for protecting public health. Seven policy principles are proposed for facilitating integration of the latest scientific thought into the administrative decision-making process. The principles relate to distinguishing between risk assessment and risk management, analysis of all relevant information in developing a risk assessment, consideration of weight-of-the-evidence and more probable than not criterion on key assumptions, scientific peer review of assessments, scoping scientific input appropriately with the nature of a specific regulatory activity, emphasizing research which enhances the basis of risk assessment, and education and communication on risk matters. The policy principles are interdependent; collectively they need endorsement and promotion by the scientific and regulatory communities and by policy leaders in federal and state governments in the interest of establishing a framework for further improving the basis of critical decisions for protecting public health.

• Research Organization: Dow Chemical Company, Midland, MI (USA)
• OSTI ID: 6345683
• Journal Information: Regul. Toxicol. Pharmacol.; (United States), Journal Name: Regul. Toxicol. Pharmacol.; (United States) Vol. 8:4; ISSN RTOPD
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

560300* -- Chemicals Metabolism & Toxicology
63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
DECISION MAKING
DISEASES
EDUCATION
HAZARDS
HEALTH HAZARDS
RISK ASSESSMENT
XENOBIOTICS