Policy and Science Implications of the Framing and Qualities of Uncertainty in Risks: Toxic and Beneficial Fish from the Baltic Sea |
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Authors: | Timo Assmuth |
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Affiliation: | (1) SYKE, P.O. Box 140, 00251 Helsinki, Finland |
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Abstract: | Policy and research issues in the framing and qualities of uncertainties in risks are analyzed, based on the assessments of
dioxin-like compounds (DLCs) and other ingredients in Baltic Sea fish, a high-profile case of governance. Risks are framed
broadly, to then focus on dioxins and beneficial fatty acids, fish consumption, human health, and science-management links.
Hierarchies of uncertainty (data, model, decision rule, and epistemic) and ambiguity (of values) are used to identify issues
of scientific and policy contestation and opportunities for resolving them. The associated complexity of risks is illustrated
by risk–benefit analyses of fish consumption and by evaluations of guideline values, highlighting value contents and policy
factors in presumably scientific decision criteria, and arguments used in multi-dimensional risk and benefit comparisons.
These comparisons pose challenges to narrow assessments centered, for e.g., on toxicants or on food benefits, and to more
many-sided and balanced risk communication and management. It is shown that structured and contextualized treatment of uncertainties
and ambiguities in a reflexive approach can inform balances between wide and narrow focus, detail and generality, and evidence
and precaution. |
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Keywords: | Food contamination Guideline values Health Integrated assessment Risk–benefit Uncertainty |
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