ABSTRACT
This book began by noting that toxic chemicals are double-edged swords, offering many benefits to society but also presenting dangers to human health and the environment. The dangers can be evaluated through the process of risk assessment (Chapters 8, 9), assuming that data on toxicity and exposure are available. Risk assessment provides a rational basis for prioritizing risks and taking steps to protect public health and natural resources. Because risk assessment-if given a chance and used appropriately-can and does work, the next question is, “How can the insights of risk assessment be translated into the fabric of everyday life, where exposures to toxic chemicals occur?” In other words, how does society, on a day-to-day basis, protect itself from the intrinsic risks of toxic chemicals? Before discussing specific strategies, it is worth recalling the kinds of problems toxic chemicals can create if they are not managed well.
