ABSTRACT
Managing the risks of technologies has become a major topic in scientific, industrial, and public policy. It has spurred the development of some industries and prompted the demise of others. It has expanded the powers of some agencies and overwhelmed the capacity of others. It has enhanced the growth of some disciplines, distorted the paths of others. It has generated political campaigns and countercampaigns. The focal ingredient in all this has been concern over risk. Yet, the meaning of "risk" has always been fraught with confusion and controversy.
