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Use of Epidemiology in Risk Assessment

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Toxicological Risk Assessment for Beginners

Abstract

Epidemiology is a branch of public health that evaluates relationships between exposures and adverse outcomes within specific populations. One of the critical areas of environmental and occupational epidemiology is the assessment and evaluation of potential causal associations between exposures of interest and identified adverse outcomes. Epidemiologists rely on a variety of tools to assess this relationship, and epidemiology has very useful applications in the risk assessment process. The integrative use of epidemiology in the risk assessment process not only assists in identifying and evaluating hazards, but it can also be used to better characterize situations and conditions for reducing, eliminating or mitigating the burden of disease through controlling hazardous exposures. Epidemiology (in conjunction with risk assessment) can play an integral role in the formulation of health policy and regulation.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. 705 Mountain Pass Ln. Knoxville, 37923, Walland, TN, USA

    Dr. Martin D. Barrie

  2. Oak Ridge Associated Universities, MS-45, PO Box 117, 37831, Oak Ridge, TN, USA

    Dr. Martin D. Barrie & Gregory Nichols M.P.H., C.P.H.

Authors
  1. Dr. Martin D. Barrie
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  2. Gregory Nichols M.P.H., C.P.H.
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Correspondence to Martin D. Barrie .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Independent Toxicology Consultant, Denton, Texas, USA

    José A. Torres

  2. Nexeo Solutions, Houston, Texas, USA

    Sol Bobst

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Barrie, M., Nichols, G. (2015). Use of Epidemiology in Risk Assessment. In: Torres, J., Bobst, S. (eds) Toxicological Risk Assessment for Beginners. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-12751-4_7

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