[Toxicological assessment of exceeding of limit values]

When assessing the effects of toxic products scientific considerations are often overshadowed by irrational fears and unqualified opinions. Political parameters often lead to policies that disregard individual health problems. Definition of health risks is particularly difficult if the official limit values are exceeded. The toxicological of formaldehyde, of crop protection agents and of dioxines are typical examples. Multifarious and complicated interactions of various toxic products result in additional difficulties in assessing health risks. Determination of toxicological equivalent values may help to compensate these factors. A catalogue of complex effects has only just been initiated. Therefore, the Public Health officer is probably the only person who can carefully assess the local influencing factors and their importance to health when limiting values are exceeded.