An Evaluation of Traditional Threshold Theories: Failure to Adequately Protect Human Populations from Pesticide Exposure

Abstract

The scientific discipline of toxicology is based heavily on the theory of thresholds, or that toxic chemicals can be regulated to specific levels in order to prevent human populations from experiencing adverse effects. However, I contend that, in light of recent research, this threshold concept is inadequate for pesticide regulation and thus new tools and models are needed to determine safe exposure levels. For the sake of industrial economics and politics, human health is being knowingly compromised—with the grave potential to impact generations and perpetuate injustice.