A = 195 - 199

Abstract

supplemental data, there are expanded opportunities for researchers to disseminate actual study data; this should facilitate independent evaluation by regulatory agencies. As scientists specializing in regulatory safety evaluations, we have extensive experience in interpreting chemical toxicity studies from government, academia, and private-sector laboratories. In conducting chemical risk assessments, we believe that scientists from all sectors should support the use of objective criteria for determining data quality and study reliability (Schneider et al. 2009) coupled with a structured evaluative framework, such as that of the World Health Organization International Programme on Chemical Safety (Boobis et al. 2006, 2008), to provide a systematic approach for assessing the overall weight of the evidence for observed effects and the postulated mode of action. In this manner, data from laboratory experiments, epidemiological investigations, and cutting-edge mecha-nistic research from all relevant studies-GLP and non-GLP-and from all investigators, regardless of affiliation or funding source, can be comprehensively reviewed, given appropriate weight, and integrated in a manner that provides a robust, biologically plausible understanding of the potential hazards and risks that exposures to a substance could pose. This letter has been reviewed in accordance with the peer-and administrative-review poli cies of the authors' organizations. The views expressed here are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions and/or policies of their employers. The authors are employed by trade associa tions whose members manufacture and use chemicals.