Chapter 24 Part 1: RISK ASSESSMENT AND THE PERCEPTION OF RISK

These flashcards cover key concepts and terminology related to risk assessment, providing students with definitions and explanations essential for understanding the subject.

The ability of a chemical to produce an adverse response.

Hazard

The probability that the hazard will occur under defined conditions of exposure.

Risk

A quantitative process by which hazard, exposure, and risk are determined.

Risk assessment

The process of selection of the most appropriate actions based on the results of social, economic, and other concerns.

Risk management

A methodology focused on evaluating human health effects from exposure to chemicals.

Human risk assessment

Addresses species other than humans, such as wildlife and plant populations, and is more complicated due to diverse ecosystems.

Ecological risk assessment

Used to compensate for uncertainties of extrapolating from laboratory animals to human populations, set lower than observed laboratory thresholds.

Safety factors

Evaluates health problems associated with the chemical at different levels of exposure.

Dose-response assessment

Determines what toxicities are associated with exposures to the chemical(s).

Hazard identification

Assesses the excess risks in the exposed population.

Risk characterization

Identifies who is exposed to chemicals and the extent of exposure.

Exposure assessment