The safety evaluation process typically involves several key steps:
Hazard Identification: This step involves identifying the potential harmful effects a substance may cause. It relies on data from toxicological studies, epidemiological data, and other relevant research. Dose-Response Assessment: This involves understanding the relationship between the dose of a substance and the extent of its toxic effect. It helps in determining the threshold levels for safe exposure. Exposure Assessment: This step estimates the magnitude, frequency, and duration of human exposures to the substance. It considers different scenarios and populations to provide a comprehensive exposure profile. Risk Characterization: This final step integrates the information from the previous steps to estimate the risk posed by the substance, providing a basis for risk management decisions.
