Abstract
In making a comparison between ecotoxicology and toxicology one must keep in mind the major differences in the goals of these disciplines. Although both deal with potentially toxic substances, they have different methods, endpoints, intensities of individual tests, and different risk assessment procedures and evaluations. Toxicology aims at the best possible hazard prediction and protection of individuals, whereas ecotoxicology looks at populations, species, ecosystems and the sustainability of ecological functions. The purpose of the comparison made in this discussion is not to suggest further species and tests for better predictions in human toxicology. Human toxicology is too advanced and too well-founded to expect that essential contributions could be made from the comparatively few and rough observations made in ecotoxicology. The search for very rare individual risks, e.g. hyperallergic reactions, and the development of special animal tests for their detection is a typical example for toxicological research (e.g. Zbinden, 1991); such risks are hardly important in ecology, because a very low incidence reflects by definition a very low risk for individuals and practically no risk for a population or species.
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Pflüger, W. (1995). Comparison of susceptibilities of species used in toxicological and environmental risk assessment to chemicals (pesticides). In: Degen, G.H., Seiler, J.P., Bentley, P. (eds) Toxicology in Transition. Archives of Toxicology, vol 17. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-79451-3_37
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-79451-3_37
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