Comparing the Essential Features of Microbial and Chemical Risk Assessments As Seen by the Affected Population. J. L. Cicmanec, Risk Management Laboratory EPA Cincinnati, OH
Among the various perspectives for contrasting microbial and chemical risk assessments, the most pragmatic view is seen by the population at risk. The essential questions this group asks of a risk assessment is actually quite different for microbes and chemicals. Although quantitative values such as Infective Dose-50 and NOAEL can be derived; the more useful information to the population is-what has to happen (go wrong) that I might be exposed/affected and what measures (risk management) can be taken to avoid or reduce the risk? Presently our state of knowledge is actually at very different points for serious pathogens (cholera, typhoid) and important chemical pollutants (trichlorethylene, PCBs, lead). Other than the newly emerging pathogens, the essential factor that determines whether or not we are exposed to a microbe is failure of an existing management system. For a chemical agent our exposure is usually connected with lack of responsible handling by another person. The limits of present knowledge dictate that conservative parameters are set to assure lifetime safety. Another crucial point of comparison is how the agent is handled by the host. Immune response is most important for infectious agents as well as possible transmission to other individuals. For chemical agents the key host factor is metabolism. This presentation will compare many features so that risk assessors might be able to provide the most useful information to the affected public. This material does not necessarily represent the policy of the Environmental Protection Agency.
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