EPA's risk assessment process bogged down by unprecedented c... ( WASHINGTON -- The U.S. Environmental ...)

EPA's risk assessment process bogged down by unprecedented challenges;

Date:12/3/2008

WASHINGTON -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's process of generating risk assessments -- which estimate the potential adverse effects posed by harmful chemicals found in the environment in order to protect public health -- is bogged down by unprecedented challenges, and as a decision-making tool it is often hindered by a disconnect between available scientific data and the information needs of officials, says a new report from the National Research Council. EPA's risk assessment process should be streamlined to ensure the appropriate use of available science, technical accuracy, and tailoring to the specific needs of the problem.

The risk assessment process entails four steps -- hazard identification, exposure assessment, dose-response assessment, and risk characterization -- which were described in a 1983 National Research Council report known as the Red Book. After a risk assessment is complete, officials and regulators use it to decide how to protect the public from exposure to toxic substances. However, the challenges of risk assessment have become increasingly complex. As knowledge of environmental contaminants and potential health impacts advances, EPA must address issues of multiple exposure, multiple risks, and susceptibility of different populations. Recognizing this, the agency asked the Research Council to identify improvements it could make to enhance risk assessment. In turn, the committee that wrote the report presented recommendations and a proposed framework for risk-based decision making to provide a template for risk assessment in EPA and strengthen the scientific basis, credibility, and effectiveness of future risk management decisions.

The committee found that EPA is struggling to keep up with demands for hazard and dose-response information and is challenged by a lack of resources. For example, the risk assessment for trichloroethylene, a chemical that is linked to cancer, has been under development since
'/>"/>

Contact: Jennifer Walsh
news@nas.edu
202-334-2138
National Academy of Sciences
Source:Eurekalert

0

GOOD

Page: 1 2 3 4
Related medicine news :

1. Researcher developing new method for hearing loss assessment
2. Supplier Assessments to Help Buyers Identify Reliable China Exporters
3. PreViser Launches New Website and Enhanced Version of Its Oral Disease and Risk Assessment Software
4. The Cooper Institutes FITNESSGRAM Selected as Statewide Physical Fitness Assessment Tool
5. AHIMA Signs Contract With CMS for ICD-10 Implementation Assessment and Training
6. M-POSSUM, an effective risk assessment system prior to operation
7. Neuromed Concludes a Special Protocol Assessment (SPA) with FDA for a Pivotal Phase 3 Study on NMED-1077
8. PinnacleHealth System Selects Phoenix Health Systems to Provide HIPAA Security Assessment Services
9. AssistNow Offers Area Employers Complimentary Needs Assessment in Recognition of National Drug-Free Work Week
10. Society of Gynecologic Oncologists Provides Guidelines for Offering Genetic Risk Assessment to Women With a Personal or Family History of Breast, Ovarian, Uterine or Colorectal Cancer
11. Hooper Holmes Introduces Mature Assessment

Post Your Comments:

EPA's risk assessment process bogged down by unprecedented c...( WASHINGTON -- The U.S. Environmental ...),Health