Chemical Risk Assessment Methods
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Traditionally, risk assessment for environmental chemicals is based upon epidemiological and/or animal toxicity data. Since the release of the National Academy of Sciences Toxicity in the 21st Century: A Vision and a Strategy (2007) and Science and Decisions: Advancing Risk Assessment (2008), there has been a growing interest in incorporating novel technologies and tools into the risk assessment paradigm. Recent developments in computational toxicology, dose response modeling, dosimetric adjustment and high throughput in vitro toxicity testing are providing a basis for advancements in risk assessment practices. These new developments have significantly improved our understanding and confidence in quantitative risk assessment. Additionally, some new approach methodologies have demonstrated utility as supplemental information to traditional in vivo toxicity data analysis, and provide the ability to evaluate many compounds found at contaminated sites throughout the U.S. that have limited or no available toxicity information. The views expressed in this abstract are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the U.S. EPA.