Demystifying environmental risk analysis for emerging contaminants → The Power of Commitment
A deep understanding of both the science of emerging contaminants and the complexity of risk analysis is critical to risk management.
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Three fundamental tenets of risk analysis are: risk assessment, risk management, and risk communication. When combined, they present a complete view of the essential elements of risk when applied to emerging contaminants.
1
Risk assessment The calculation, or quantification, of health risks based on the potential exposure in each scenario.
Typically, risk assessors evaluate:
➀ Exposure factors/ assumptions;
➁ Concentrations at the
point of exposure; and,
➂ Toxicity values relative to the assumed exposures.
Until the science reaches consensus on a specific toxicity reference value or a range of values, reasonable toxicity estimates continue as the pragmatic approach to perform quantitative risk estimates.
2
Risk management
Identifying, evaluating, selecting and implementing actions to reduce risk to human health and the environment.
Risk management for emerging contaminants is the same as for “conventional” contaminants like volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and heavy metals.
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The most significant difference between emerging and conventional contaminants is comfort with making decisions that have the potential to set precedent.
3
Risk communication Explains the knowns and unknowns related to environmental issues, often perceived as complex, while applying context to address the concerns of key stakeholders.
Risk communication is often underestimated and is one of the most crucial elements in effective risk management.
Because emerging contaminants do not have precedent, risk managers must rely on site-specific implementation of risk management and risk communication techniques.
→ The Power of Commitment
→ ghd.com