Health risk assessment is the characterization of the potential adverse health effects of human exposures to environmental hazards. Exposure may occur because of releases, spills, improper storage and transport and other accidents. EPA determines the extent to which a group of people has been or may be exposed to a certain chemical or other dangerous substance. The extent of exposure is then considered in relation to the kind and degree of hazard posed by the chemical, thereby permitting an estimate to be made of the present or potential health risk to the group of people involved. The EPA's approach to health risk assessment stresses community-based decision making and seeks to involve as broad a range of stakeholders as possible.
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