![[logo] US EPA](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20090512020938im_/http://www.epa.gov/epafiles/images/logo_epaseal.gif){kind=logo}
Human Health: Risk Characterization
In Risk Characterization, the information from Hazard Identification, Exposure Assessment, Dose-Response Assessment are summarized and integrated into quantitative and qualitative expressions of risk. To estimate potential noncarcinogenic effects, comparisons are made between projected intakes of substances and toxicity values; to estimate potential carcinogenic effects, probabilities that an individual will develop cancer over a lifetime of exposure are determined from projected intakes and chemical-specific dose-response information. Major assumptions, scientific judgments, and to the extent possible, estimates of the uncertainties embodied in the assessment are also presented.
Documents | EPA Links | External Links
Documents
EPA Links
- EPA Science
Policy Risk Characterization Program
- EPA National Center for Environmental Assessment Risk Characterization
External Links
- Spatial Analysis and Decision Assistance
Spatial Analysis and Decision Assistance is a freeware program developed at the University of Tennessee with funding from EPA, NRC, and DOE that provides comprehensive risk assessment tools in a spatial modeling environment. Risk assessors can use SADA to perform traditional risk assessment PRG calculations, PRG screens, and forward human health calculations for one or more contaminants. Users have complete control over all toxicological data, physical properties, and landuse/pathway exposure parameters to create site specific risk assessments. In addition, the risk models are integrated with SADA's spatial analysis tools, decision frameworks,and sample design strategies allowing users drive a risk based characterization from a preliminary initial sample design through a final feasibility study. In addition, SADA allows users to import their own site or region specific screening or decision threshold values separately from SADA's own risk modeling tools.