Regulating Toxic Substances: A Philosophy of Science and the Law (Environmental Ethics and Science Policy Series) - Softcover

Cranor, Carl F.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0195113780 ISBN 13: 9780195113785

Publisher: Oxford University Press USA, 1993

Synopsis

In this paperback reprint of a book originally published in 1993, Carl Cranor argues that the scientific and statistical criteria usually used to determine whether substances are toxic are too rigorous and time-consuming for evidentiary purposes in tort cases and for regulation. This results in the underregulation of toxic substances and the undercompensation of plaintiffs in tort cases. Cranor proposes that the evidential standards now used should be evaluated with the purposes of the law in mind. The choice of standards is, in effect, a choice between economic costs to society and health costs to individuals. Cranor argues persuasively that justice requires that priority be given to avoiding the latter.

About this title

From the Back Cover

Toxic substances, such as carcinogens, pose threats to human health and well-being. Whether such threats are substantial and our response to them if they are present major scientific and philosophical issues. Yet such substances pose special problems. They are invisible, typically undetectable intruders that can harm us in ways we might not discover for years.

Edition details

• Publisher: Oxford University Press USA
• Publication date: 1993
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0195113780
• ISBN 13: 9780195113785
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 276