Model various mathematical, human risk

Other major early contributions of biochemical engineering have been in the development of the artificial kidney and physiologically based pharmacokinetic models. The artificial kidney has been literally a lifesaver. Pharmacokinetic models divide the body of an animal or human into various compartments that act as bioreactors. These mathematical models have been used very successfully in developing therapeutic strategies for the optimal delivery of chemotherapeutic drugs and in assessing risk from exposure to toxins. 

In the dose-response assessment to determine a dosage that is risk-free for human health, the JFCFA has never used mathematical models to extrapolate risks at low dose and determine a virtually safe dose, on the grounds that the lack of validation would produce very different results. However, the IFCFA could usefully address this matter in its deliberations. When progress in this area permits selection from various validated models, this exercise should no longer be solely associated with risk assessment but will also incorporate an element of risk management. 

During the mathematical specification of the simulation model there is no need to bother about the correct parameter values to be used during the Monte Carlo simulation. Of course, this is addressed prior to running the simulations. In principle there are three kinds of sources for parameter values. The ideal source would consist of sufficient statistical data that has been gathered under the various contextual conditions for which the risk assessment has to be performed. In practice such ideal sources almost never exist. Instead one typically has to work with limited statistical data that has been gathered under different conditions. Fortunately there often are two complementary sources domain expertise and scientific expertise (on safety and human factors). In the context of Monte Carlo... 

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