Characterization is a component of the EPA's risk assessment process. Risk assessments make use of many different kinds of scientific concepts and data (e.g., exposure, toxicity, epidemiology, ecology) to characterize the expected risk associated with a particular agent or action in a particular environmental context.

Recommended EPA Web pages

• Risk Characterization Program
  This page provides links to information about risk characterization.
• Ecological: Risk Characterization
  Ecological risk characterization at Superfund sites consists of two aspects: risk estimation and risk description.
• Human Health: Risk Characterization
  Human health risk assessment is the characterization of the potential adverse health effects of human exposures to environmental hazards.

Characterization

Contingency Plans
National Contingency Plan (NCP), Oil Removal Contingency Plan, Spill Prevention

Counter-Terrorism
Water Security

Disasters
Fire, Floods, Hurricanes, September 11 Response, Tornadoes, Volcanoes

Emergency Response
Consequence Management, Countermeasures, Mobile Laboratories, National Response Team (NRT), On Scene Coordinators, Radiological Emergency Response Team, September 11 Response, Training

Oil Spills
Facility Response Plan

Poisoning
Lead Poisoning, Mercury Poisoning, Pesticides

Reporting
Reporting Requirements, Toxics Release Inventory (TRI)