Current needs in environmental risk management

Abstract

Risk assessment and management have become central to many health and environmental issues in recent years. Despite high expectations for the applications of science to identify and manage risks, many of these issues remain controversial. Some of the foundations of risk assessment and management are explored and needs for improvement are identified. Inputs from models, data, and uncertainty analyses are reviewed and goals for risk assessment, management, and communication are considered. Ultimately a better understanding of the strengths and limitations of these processes, primarily by the specialists and decision makers, is a prerequisite to more effective involvement of affected stakeholders in risk management. Unless some better basic understanding is achieved, public expectations and demands for risk management are likely to remain unachievable.