What Are the Limitations of Using Uncertainty Factors?
While uncertainty factors are crucial, they are not without limitations. One major concern is the potential for over-conservatism, which can lead to excessively stringent regulations. Additionally, the default values may not be appropriate for all chemicals or situations, leading to imprecise risk assessments. There is also an ongoing debate about the adequacy of using a simple multiplicative approach to address complex biological uncertainties. Furthermore, reliance on uncertainty factors can overshadow the need for more specific toxicological testing and data collection.
