OVERVIEW OF RISK ASSESSMENT FOR TOXIC AND PATHOGENIC AGENTS

Abstract

Risk assessment is a process that defines the adverse health consequences of exposure to toxic or pathogenic agents. hen used in regulatory decision making, risk assessment is an important component of risk management, which "combines the risk assessment with the directives of regulatory legislation, together with socioeconomic, technical, political, and other considerations, to reach a decision as to whether or how much to control future exposure to the suspected toxic agents. he conceptual framework for risk assessment as it is currently practiced was outlined by the National Academy of Science in 1983 as a four-phased process. he elements in this process include hazard identification, exposure assessment, dose-response assessment, and risk characterization. his paper will discuss each of these elements, with particular emphasis on their application to risk assessment of pathogens.

Citation

Kowal, N., R. Bruins, AND C. Sonich-Mullin. OVERVIEW OF RISK ASSESSMENT FOR TOXIC AND PATHOGENIC AGENTS. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, D.C., EPA/600/D-90/216 (NTIS PB91136945).

Additional Information

In Proceedings: Water Quality Technology Conference, American Water Works Association, Philadelphia, PA, November 12-16, 1989, pp. 905-919

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