Abstract
Risk Assessment is a multi-step process used by professionals to make decisions for “safe” use of chemicals in commercial, industrial, and environmental settings. The process includes Hazard Identification, Dose Response Assessment, Exposure Assessment, and Risk Characterization. Risk Assessment is an evolving field influenced by technological approaches and advancement. The history and basic tenets of Risk Assessment are introduced in this chapter to prepare the reader for the rest of the book.
“Knowing is not enough; we must apply. Willing is not enough; we must do.” Johann Wolfgang von Goethe.
Figures and text excerpt from NAS are reprinted with permission from the National Academies Press, Copyright [1983 & 2009], National Academy of Sciences.
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Notes
- 1.
Hazard characterization is a term used in literature loosely with several meanings. For instance: (a) any step beyond simple (yes/no) type of answer that help describe the mechanisms involved in causing harm i.e. WOE, mode of action; (b) a combination of qualitative (hazard identification) and quantitative (dose-response) assessment; and (c) a summary of key results from hazard identification steps i.e. findings, issues, mode of action, strength and weakness, WOE, alternative explanations and susceptible population. The authors share this footnote to advise the readers of this possible variance of meaning.
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Torres, J., Bobst, S. (2015). Introduction. In: Torres, J., Bobst, S. (eds) Toxicological Risk Assessment for Beginners. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-12751-4_1
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-12751-4_1
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