Outside looking in: Understanding the role of science in regulation

9Citations
Citations of this article
22Readers
Mendeley users who have this article in their library.

Abstract

Regulatory bodies worldwide are charged with making major decisions related to chemical toxicology, such as designation of toxic thresholds and establishment of criteria for preclinical testing and toxic hazard classification. Although every agency has access to the same research data, each agency uses different criteria for judging which data to consider in setting policy and how best to interpret and apply those data. Recent international differences in legislation regarding bisphenol A and recombinant bovine somatotropin highlight the diverse routes taken in the regulatory decision-making process; at the same time, tensions between the exigencies of protecting public health on the one hand and safeguarding commercial interests on the other are revealed in the debate over the precautionary principle. Although expert analysis of scientific evidence will always serve as the guiding principle for sound regulatory action, political, economic, and even sociocultural interests also play a role in policy.

Cite

CITATION STYLE

APA

Lougheed, T. (2009). Outside looking in: Understanding the role of science in regulation. Environmental Health Perspectives, 117(3). https://doi.org/10.1289/ehp.117-a104

Register to see more suggestions

Mendeley helps you to discover research relevant for your work.

Already have an account?

Save time finding and organizing research with Mendeley

Sign up for free