RISK ASSESSMENT IN THE ENVIRONMENTAL-PROTECTION-AGENCY

Risk assessment is the general process used to determine the potential risk of an adverse health effect occurring from exposure to an agent. It consists of a hazard identification, a dose-response evaluation, an exposure assessment and a risk characterization. At the US Environmental Protection Agency, risk assessments are used to estimate risks from environmental contaminants. Risk management uses the risk characterization along with such variables as economic, social, legal, technical, analytical and political factors to arrive at a regulatory level. The public is informed of regulatory actions prior to and after promulgation of the final rule through the process of risk communication.