What is the role of toxicology in risk assessment for CERCLA sites?
Toxicology plays a vital role in the risk assessment process for CERCLA sites. The process generally involves the following steps:
1. Hazard Identification: Determining which chemicals at a site pose potential health risks. 2. Dose-Response Assessment: Evaluating the relationship between chemical exposure and adverse health effects. 3. Exposure Assessment: Estimating the magnitude, frequency, and duration of human and environmental exposure to contaminants. 4. Risk Characterization: Combining the information from the previous steps to estimate the risk to human health and the environment.
Toxicologists provide expertise in all these steps, ensuring that the assessments are scientifically sound and protective of public health.
