Skip to main content

Hazards Technology and Fairness (1986) / Chapter Skim
Currently Skimming:

Part 1. Uncertainty
Pages 7-8

The Chapter Skim interface presents what we've algorithmically identified as the most significant single chunk of text within every page in the chapter.
Select key terms on the right to highlight them within pages of the chapter.


From page 7...
... But in regulating products and processes that pose chronic, low-level risks, Weinberg tells us that the regulator needs to finesse the transscientific limits to science; one suggestion is that the regulator invoke the principle of de minimis. This principle argues that for naturally occurring insults to the human environment, regulators need concern themselves with man-made exposure only when it exceeds the natural, background exposure.
Read the entire page →
From page 8...
... He suggests that this method would provide the courts with a reasonable threshold for determining when the victim of a particular exposure can collect damages from the responsible party. In the last paper in this section, Ronald Bayer describes the evolution of the occupational standard for airborne lead.
Read the entire page →

Key Terms

  • occurring insults
  • transscientific limits
  • whenever regulatory
  • regulating products
  • principle argues

  • inconclusive data
  • successful application
  • low probability
  • conflicting claims
  • human environment

  • regulator invoke
  • background exposure
  • weinberg tells
  • regulatory standards
  • particular cause

  • hazards arising
  • pose chronic
  • concern focuses
  • political resolution
  • nuclear industry

  • probabilistic risk
  • outcome cancer
  • concern themselves
  • bayer argues
  • hazard outcome

  • rare events
  • bond illustrates
  • de minimis
  • human health
  • particular concern


    • This material may be derived from roughly machine-read images, and so is provided only to facilitate research.
    More information on Chapter Skim is available.