Risk evaluation typically involves several key steps: hazard identification, dose-response assessment, exposure assessment, and risk characterization.
Hazard Identification: This step involves identifying whether a chemical has the potential to cause harm. It includes reviewing scientific literature, understanding the chemical's toxicokinetics, and conducting laboratory tests.
Dose-Response Assessment: This step evaluates the relationship between the dose of a substance and the occurrence of health effects. It helps in determining the threshold level of exposure that might lead to adverse outcomes.
Exposure Assessment: This involves determining the frequency, duration, and levels of exposure to the chemical. It considers different exposure routes such as inhalation, ingestion, and dermal contact.
Risk Characterization: This final step combines the information from the previous steps to estimate the overall risk. It provides a qualitative or quantitative description of the probability of harmful effects occurring in a given population.
