Risk Identifying

Synonyms

Risk analysis

Definition

Risk identifying is a scientific tool for identifying and evaluating the potential health hazard posed by exposure of humans to physical, chemical and/or biological entities present in the environment; such as that of a school building contaminated with PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls). In order to gain this information, risk analysis includes such varied research methods as toxicological animal trials, epidemiological surveys, exposure modeling, etc. In addition to assessing acute exposure, risk analysis also is used to predict and compare risks (e. g., prospective testing for potential hazards posed to human health and the environment). Amongst others, the results are used to set threshold values, standards and reference points for environmental toxins. Furthermore, risk assessment also provides a scientific basis for political decisions relating to the environment and public health, and hence risk...