EPA assesses and manages human and ecological risks from exposure to toxic chemicals and other pollutants through an integrated multi-stage process that considers multiple endpoints, sources, pathways and routes of exposure. This approach allows for community-based decision making, flexibility, a focus on all of the environmental media, and seeks a significant, holistic reduction of risk. The process begins by identifying hazards, assessing exposure risks and then characterizing that risk. Once the risk has been fully characterized, a strategy for responding to that risk in the best interests of public health and the environment can then be established.
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