Where is the limit?

Chemical substances in food and the environment.
Final document of the lay panel from the consensus conference 9-12 June 1995.

Preface:

Every single day we are exposed to thousands of chemical substances – both at work and in our leisure time. Chemical substances are used in the production of foods, and they are present in our working environment as well as our natural environment. Many of the substances are toxic.

This is why the authorities establish threshold limits which enable us to utilise the technical advantages of the substances while avoiding risks.

But is the data for establishing and using threshold values sufficient? And how certain can we be?

To find the answers to these and other questions, the Board of Technology organised a consensus conference on chemical substances in food and the environment at a theatre in Copenhagen in the period 9 – 12 June 1995.

The objective of the conference was to obtain laymens assessments of and recommendations for conflicts and solutions in the area, including an evaluation of whether current practices should be slackened or tightened.

Another objective was to spread interest and knowledge with a view to widen and vary debate on the subject and contribute to enhancing the basis of political solutions in the area.

The subject has been narrowed down to focus primarily on human toxicology.

The Danish Board of Technology
June 1995