tolérables

Tolérables is a term used primarily in risk governance and public health to describe levels, outcomes, or conditions that are considered acceptable within a given social, economic, and political context. It refers to a residual or tolerated level of harm, exposure, or nuisance after mitigation measures have been applied. The concept sits between acceptable and intolerable risk, with intolerable risks typically triggering stronger regulatory action.

Etymology and usage: the word comes from the French verb tolérer, meaning to endure or withstand. In policy and regulatory language, tolérables is often encountered in phrases such as “risques tolérables” or “valeurs tolérables,” where communities and authorities negotiate what levels of risk are permissible given benefits, costs, and uncertainties. The term is usually context-specific and can vary across jurisdictions and topics.

Applications: tolérables appears in diverse domains such as environmental protection, occupational safety, urban planning, and public health. It helps frame decisions where full elimination of risk is impractical or economically burdensome. Thresholds labeled tolérables are typically revisited as new evidence emerges or as societal values shift, and they are frequently paired with monitoring, reporting, and review procedures to prevent drift toward intolerance.

Relation to other concepts: tolérables is often contrasted with tolérable risk concepts like risk thresholds and acceptable or tolerable risk. It implies a negotiated norm rather than an absolute standard, requiring transparency, stakeholder engagement, and periodic reassessment.

Criticism: the concept can be criticized for being value-laden or subjective, potentially normalizing harm. Proponents argue it enables pragmatic policy-making, while critics stress the need for clear criteria and safeguards to avoid legitimizing unacceptable levels of risk.

See also: tolerable risk, acceptable risk, risk threshold, risk assessment.