Policy by analogy: precautionary principle, science and polybrominated diphenyl ethers
by T. Gouin, S. Bocking, D. Mackay
International Journal of Global Environmental Issues (IJGENVI), Vol. 5, No. 1/2, 2005

Abstract: Through the acquisition of scientific data, knowledge is gained about the environmental fate and human exposure of chemical substances. From this knowledge, the risk of using chemicals can be assessed. As a means of facilitating the regulatory process, risk assessments can also compare the substance under investigation to other substances that display similar behaviour or structure, especially when the risk assessment involves a substance for which few data exist. For instance, similarities can be drawn between a number of poorly studied chemical substances and those that are currently listed as chemicals of concern. We suggest that policy can be guided, in part, by analogy. By taking advantage of knowledge obtained for the PCBs in the past, we can better implement precautionary measures with respect to similar substances, such as the PBDEs, and do so more quickly and appropriately.

Online publication date: Sat, 12-Feb-2005

The full text of this article is only available to individual subscribers or to users at subscribing institutions.

 
Existing subscribers:
Go to Inderscience Online Journals to access the Full Text of this article.

Pay per view:
If you are not a subscriber and you just want to read the full contents of this article, buy online access here.

Complimentary Subscribers, Editors or Members of the Editorial Board of the International Journal of Global Environmental Issues (IJGENVI):
Login with your Inderscience username and password:

Username:        Password:          Forgotten your password?

Want to subscribe?
A subscription gives you complete access to all articles in the current issue, as well as to all articles in the previous three years (where applicable). See our Orders page to subscribe.

If you still need assistance, please email subs@inderscience.com