Problems in risk assessment

Abstract

Most quantitative risk assessments are based on the assumption that environmental chemicals cause the same toxicities in humans and laboratory animals in about the same concentrations. It is well known, however, that the assumption is invalid in most instances. What is needed is the development of a program of interrelated studies designed to elucidate active forms of the toxicant, the concentrations at which these forms cause the observed toxicities in different species and strains of animals and the factors that modify the manifestation and severity of the toxicities. Such knowledge should provide key clues for identifying sensitive human subpopulations.

Key words:

• Risk assessment
• human subpopulations
• drug metabolism
• strain and species differences