Effects of a Polluted Environment Research and Development Needs (1977) / Chapter Skim
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SUMMARY
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Inadequate basic knowledge and the sheer complexity of processes being studied make it impossible except in isolated instances to answer with certainty the kinds of questions posed by, for example, interactions among multiple causative agents or the long-term effects on climate of the combusticn of fuels. Regulatory decisions usually must of necessity be based on partial information and on extrapolated estimates of risks; nevertheless, research can narrow the range of uncertainty.
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H We recognize the need to establish priorities for allocating resources among research programs on different aspects of the effects of a polluted environment, we believe firmly that it is vital for a national research strategy to maintain diversity and balance among different problem areas (e.g., health, ecological effects)
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The failure to make public a rigorous assessment of research data has in the past been a part of the cause for reversal of some of EPA's decisions, we reccmmend, therefore, that EFA publish detailed sumraries of the evidence it considers, and of the scientific basis for its judgments of the validity and credibility of specific studies. RESEARCH NEEDS CN EFFECTS ON WEATHER ANC CLIMATE Pollution-induced changes in climate, should they cccur, would probably have more far-reaching consequences than any other effects discussed in this report.
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RESEARCH NEEDS ON EFFECTS ON WILD AND DOMESTIC ANIMALS As in other problem areas, ar integrated multidisciplinary approach is required to determine the effects of specific environmental pollutants on particular species of animals and to support the formulation of some general principles. In Qha.Eter.^5 we recommend that highest priority be placed on closely coordinated laboratory and field studies to examine the subtle effects of chronic low-level pollutior or the behavior and reproduction of animal populations.
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RESEARCH NEEDS ON EFFECTS ON EIOLOGICAL COMMUNITIES AND ECOSYSTEMS Research on effects at the community and ecosystem levels of biological organization requires quite a different approach from that used to study effects on organises or species. The elements of such an approach are described in £ha.E£e.£-2, In order to measure and predict effects on critical ecological characteristics such as community structure and diversity, productivity, energy flow, or nutrient cycles, research programs should integrate the results of laboratory studies using microcosms and ether simplified model systems, controlled experinental perturbations of biological communities in the field, simulation modeling techniques, and long-term field observation of critical indicators of the structural and functional integrity of ecosystems.
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These are based on knowledge of past contributions and current programs and of the legislative mandates, research needs, and mix of expertise of the different agencies; and on our judgments of the kinds of research programs best suited to carry out particular recommended investigations. In some cases, even though certain research is very important for environmental protection, we recommend that EPA should jjpjt devote its limited resources to such studies, because sufficient research cf high quality is already being dore elsewhere.
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Research and Development in the Environmental Protection Agency. Analytical Studies for the U.S.
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