Alternative methodologies for standardization of deleterious environmental factors

: Some ecologists propose in recent papers to replace the ideology of the maximum allowable concentrations (MAC) by a new biotic concept of regional environmental monitoring by the method of ecologically allowable levels (EAL). By comparing the basic provisions of MAC and EAL methodologies, by taking into account their advantages and disadvantages, the authors conclude that there is no alternative to the hygienic MAC concept. The principles of EAL substantiation have no well-grounded scientific-and-practical methodology. New concepts of the common control of environmental quality, the health status of man, animals, plants, and the microworld should be sought by using the existing regulations.