ABSTRACT

Precautionary Principle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 542 References . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 542

Risk assessment is the use of scientific methods and data to predict the probability of a particular outcome (usually, one perceived as adverse) as a result of a particular set of measured or hypothesized starting circumstances. This concept has been applied to a wide range of problems in fields as diverse as engineering and economics. The present discussion is concerned with the use of risk assessment in assessing the impact of exposures to toxic chemicals, in which the ultimate purpose is to assist in identifying and mitigating impacts on public health.