Risk Management in Environmental Health Decision

Abstract

Over the past several decades, risk science has evolved into a mature transdisciplinary field of investigation. Risk science is typically divided into two main components: risk assessment and risk management. Risk management seeks to determine, implement, and evaluate the most appropriate course of action to address risks to population health. This article provides an overview of key risk management concepts. Risk management frameworks elaborated by the US National Research Council and the US Presidential/Congressional Commission on Environmental Health Risk Assessment and Risk Management are highlighted, along with a recent integrated framework for risk management and population health. Also discussed are regulatory and nonregulatory options for risk management, risk management decision-making principles (including the precautionary principle and the principle of risk-based decision-making), and a general decision-analytical framework with a focus on economic evaluation. A key component of the risk assessment and risk management process is the involvement of and communication with both the public and key stakeholders. A brief discussion of risk perception, risk acceptability, and risk communication is included in order to highlight the influence of both scientific and extra-scientific factors in risk management decision-making.