Table 3.

Illustrative criteria of seriousness, uncertainty and ambiguity (after Stirling et al, 2006)

Criteria of seriousness

Clear evidence of carcinogenicity, mutagenicity, or reprotoxicity in components/residues

Clear evidence of virulent pathogens

Clear violation of risk-based concentration thresholds or standards

Criteria of uncertainty and ignorance

Scientifically founded doubts on theory

Scientific doubts on model sufficiency or applicability

Scientific doubts on data quality or applicability

Novel, unprecedented features of the product

Criteria of sociopolitical ambiguity

Divergent individual perceptions of risk

Institutional conflict between different agencies

Amplification effects in news media

Social/ethical concerns, distributional issues or political mobilization