Discussion of 'Conundrums with Uncertainty Factors'

摘要

I have some quibbles with the details of Cooke's analysis and proposals, but strongly endorse his call for a reevaluation of use of uncertainty factors. Any innovation must respect the requirements and con-rnstraints of the risk assessment context and his proposal for a probability-based, random chemical approach is right on the mark. Improved BBDRMs are a prerequisite, but obtaining the information and understanding to support them is very challenging, indeed daunting, possibly in "Alice in Wonderland" territory. Whatever progress can be made will be beneficial and I thank Roger for raising the issues and energizing both debate and research.