Application of Risk Assessment in Different Countries

Abstract

In most countries, the risk assessment process uses basic scientific information to evaluate potential risks to human health and the environment. Typically, these scientific evaluations of potential risk to human health and the environment are used to determine if remedial action or cleanup is necessary and if so, how much is needed. In addition, the quantitative results of these risk assessments are often used to determine cleanup goals for restoration of a waste site. Given that the United States has developed extensive guidance and has established numerous policies for the use of risk assessment in environmental problem solving, it is not surprising for methodologies in other countries to be similar. In addition, many of the scientific databases created for risk assessments originate in the United States further producing similarities among countries. However, for many countries, including the United States, there are many issues surrounding the science that are as yet, unresolved. These issues include the following: 1) existence of uncertainties inherent in the risk assessment process; 2) relative importance of human health versus ecological risk; 3) what constitutes acceptable or unacceptable levels of risk for human and ecological receptors; and 4) the role of risk communication (i.e., consensus among all stakeholders). These are all issues that produce differences in risk assessment protocols and interpretation of risk assessment results. Thus, how the scientific risk assessment process can be used to make decisions about the cleanup of potential human health and ecological risks at waste sites may vary widely among countries. Similarities and differences between the risk assessment and risk management processes in various countries will be discussed in this paper.