Integrated Risk Index System

Abstract

Although large numbers of chemicals need to be assessed for potential risk, financial and human resources for evaluation are often limited. Therefore, prioritization of materials for assessment is a necessity. The Integrated Risk Index System prioritizes materials through use of a rapid and simple scoring procedure. Some advantages of this system are: (1) materials are assessed and ranked with efficient use of health professional time; (2) materials can be ranked with reasonable accuracy using readily available data; and (3) certain types of health, safety, and environmental data concerning carcinogenicity and teratogenicity are weighted in relation to societal concerns. The Integrated Risk Index function is described by the mathematical expression RI = P(2PH + 2HH + EH). The function “RI” is an expression of relative risk since P is derived from potential exposure factors, and (2PH + 2HH + EH) is the summation of the inherent hazards associated with a material. The potential exposure factor, (P) incorporates annual production and the number of potentially exposed populations. The physical hazard factor (PH) is based on flammability and reactivity. The health hazard factor (HH) is derived from acute and subchronic toxicity, carcinogenicity, mutagenicity, teratogenicity, and reproductive effects. The environmental hazard factor (EH) quantifies the potential for ecological damage under hypothetical spill conditions. This system can quickly and efficiently rank in an appropriate and meaningful way a large number of materials according to their relative risk.