What is toxicology?

1. The ultimate objective of toxicology is the reduction of morbidity and mortality that occurs in man as a result of exposure to toxic substances. 2. The present emphasis on 'strategic' research could divert funding to answer specific but largely irrelevant questions to the detriment of 'basic' research. 3. True advances can only be made if 'basic' research is supported to the same extent as 'strategic' research and if the regulation of environmental chemicals is based on good evidence from clinicians, epidemiologists and scientists.