Overview of Human Health Risk Assessment
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Human health risk assessment is a systematic process used to evaluate the potential health risks associated with exposure to environmental hazards. This process is essential for informing regulatory decisions, public health interventions, and risk management strategies. Planning and scoping of the risk assessment establish objectives and methodologies for key aspects and steps of the risk assessment process. The assessment consists of four key steps: hazard identification, dose-response assessment, exposure assessment, and risk characterization. Typically, hazard identification determines the potential hazards and adverse effects associated with exposure to a hazardous substance. Dose-response assessment examines the relationship between chemical dose and the incidence or severity of adverse effects. Exposure assessment measures the magnitude, frequency, and duration of human exposure to a chemical or agent. Finally, risk characterization integrates data from the first three steps to describe the nature and magnitude of health risks. Incorporating uncertainty factors is crucial to account for variations and gaps in data, ensuring the assessment is protective of all population groups. For cancer risk assessment, the process involves calculating the risk using the cancer slope factor and estimated exposure dose, categorizing risk levels, and deriving the point of departure (POD). This abstract includes a case study on deriving the reference dose for TCDD, illustrating the application of these principles. Integrating diverse research areas enhances our understanding and ability to assess and manage risks effectively. The decision-making process in risk assessment considers intervention options, socioeconomic and legal conditions, translating scientific findings into practical and regulatory actions to protect public health and the environment.