How Can Economic Pressures Affect Toxicological Decisions?
Economic pressures can manifest in various ways within toxicology. For example, the cost of conducting comprehensive toxicological studies can be prohibitive, leading to reliance on cheaper, less rigorous methods. This can result in inadequate assessment of potential risks. Additionally, there is often a tension between the need to protect public health and the desire to facilitate economic growth. Regulatory agencies may be pressured to minimize restrictions on chemicals to avoid stifling industry innovation and competitiveness. This can lead to the approval of substances with insufficient safety data.
