Probability theory can provide a general way of reasoning about uncertainty, even when data are sparse or absent. The idea that probabilities can represent judgment is a basic principle for decision analysis and for the Bayesian school of statistics. The use of judgmental probabilities and Bayesian statistical methods for the analysis of toxicological data appears to be promising in reaching broad conclusions for policy and for research planning. Illustrative examples are given using quantal dose-response data from carcinogenicity bioassays for two chemicals, perchloroethylene and alachlor.
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