Setting Environmental Standards

Introduction Setting Standards: Uncertainty and Variation Terminology Overview of Environmental Standard Setting Sources of Uncertainty and Variation Representation of Uncertainty Some Examples of Statistics at Work Probability and Statistics in Standard-Setting Basic Considerations in Setting Standards Outline of This Chapter Positioning a Standard Ideal and Realizable Standards Acknowledging Variation Statistically Verifiable Ideal Standards Multiple Standards Analyzing Costs and Benefits Current Approaches to Setting a Level Concluding Remarks The Pollutant-Effect Relationship and Other Links Links in the Chain Describing and Measuring the Pollutant-Effect Relationship Recent Major Reviews Selective Overview of Recently Published on Pollutant-Effect Relationships Some Current Less Formal Emphases for Analysing or Categorizing the Pollutant-Effect Relationship Summary Current and Developing Incorporation of Uncertainty and Variability in Standard-Setting Introduction Statistical Pollution Studies Linked to Standards Interests The Changing Scene: Attempts to Incorporate Statistical Arguments in the Setting of Standards Progression Current Standards: Examples The Extent to Which Uncertainty and Variation Are Considered Examples Where Quite Sophisticated Treatment of Uncertainty and Variation Is Employed Examples Which Pay No Regard for Uncertainty and Variation Summary Conclusions: The Current Situation and a Forward Look Broad Principles for Setting Sound Standards The Present Situation A Look Forward Overview