Final answer:
The statement "synthetic does not equal dangerous" means that man-made substances are not automatically dangerous. However, caution should still be exercised when dealing with new synthetic substances.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement "synthetic does not equal dangerous" means that just because something is synthetic or man-made, it does not automatically mean that it is dangerous. Synthetic materials or chemicals can be created in a controlled manner to ensure their safety. However, it is important to consider the precautionary principle and proceed cautiously when dealing with new synthetic substances, as their effects may not be fully understood yet.
As new synthetic products, such as pesticides, are developed, they are not automatically deemed dangerous, but they are subject to scrutiny and testing to establish their safety profile. On the other hand, natural products are not without their own risks and can also negatively impact health and the environment if not properly understood or managed. This demonstrates that assigning risk is a complex process requiring careful scientific evaluation, not a simple dichotomy of synthetic versus natural.