Setting levels of pollutants that are intended to safeguard human health yet allow a margin of safety to protect more vulnerable segments of the population are called:

Primary standards are designed to protect human health by establishing levels of pollutants that are safe for the general population, including sensitive groups such as children, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing health conditions. These standards are the foundation of environmental regulations and are based on extensive scientific research regarding the effects of exposure to pollutants.

The margin of safety embedded in primary standards ensures that even the most vulnerable segments have some level of protection, acknowledging that not all individuals respond to pollutants in the same way. This is particularly important in environmental health, where the repercussions of exposure can vary widely among different populations.

In contrast, secondary standards typically focus on environmental and aesthetic effects rather than direct health impacts, which sets them apart from primary standards. Tertiary and remedial standards are not commonly recognized categories in this context. Thus, primary standards represent the crucial regulatory tool aimed specifically at safeguarding human health in a comprehensive manner.