The Sensitivity of Method Procedure as a Regulatory Mechanism for Approval of Carcinogens

Technology has focused our attention on many potential hazards of which we were unaware earlier in the century. Our awareness of possible hazards and their apparent causes has increased significantly. Our understanding of the biologic activity of chemicals, their mechanism(s) of action and their potential toxicologic activity has greatly increased. We no longer focus on acute, lethal effects but have become increasingly concerned about subtle health injuries which decrease the quality of our lives. Presently, the leading public concern about exposure to chemicals is the risk of cancer. Consequently, considerable effort in both the public and private sectors is devoted to the determination of what chemicals are or might be carcinogenic.