Coles, Anne-Marie ORCID: 0000-0002-0383-9253 (2021) Emergence of a techno-legal specialty: Animal tests to assess chemical safety in the UK, 1945–1960. Studies in History and Philosophy of Science Part A, 90. pp. 131-139. ISSN 0039-3681 (Print), 0039-3681 (Online) (doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.shpsa.2021.09.003)

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Abstract

It has been suggested that knowledge domains which emerge within regulatory science represent a compromise between technical knowledge and policy priorities. This article investigates the claim through consideration of the emergence of animal tests to evaluate chemical safety in the UK between 1945 and 1960. During this period there was a proliferation of new chemical-based innovations in consumer products. The situation gave rise to concerns about the potential impact on public health. Solutions required development of a knowledge domain that would fulfil policy requirements, outside the remit of academic science. Lack of consensus in the scientific field gave rise to debate over the best means to collect accurate data. This resulted in emergence of the new specialty of safety testing, in response to political and industrial needs. The socio-political context of this case illustrates the impact that organisational setting can have on shaping knowledge claims.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	technology policy; scientific debate; regulatory science; toxicology history; animal testing
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > HC Economic History and Conditions H Social Sciences > HD Industries. Land use. Labor > HD61 Risk Management K Law > K Law (General)
Faculty / School / Research Centre / Research Group:	Faculty of Business Faculty of Business > Department of Systems Management & Strategy Faculty of Business > Institute of Political Economy, Governance, Finance and Accountability (IPEGFA)
Related URLs:	Publisher
Last Modified:	07 Apr 2023 01:38
URI:	http://gala.gre.ac.uk/id/eprint/34786

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