ABSTRACT
The risk assessment process will generally help identify and quantify risks imposed on an individual, the general public, and/or the environment. Risk characterization involves the evaluation of the significance of potential risks posed by a site and/or facility. Uncertainties and the main assumptions used to complete the whole risk assessment process are also evaluated during the risk characterization stage. Risk characterization should discuss all specific sources of uncertainty, including a consideration of background levels of exposure. Exposure-response evaluation involves analyzing how any adverse impacts on populations potentially at risk will change in frequency of occurrence and intensity, due to changes in levels of receptor exposures. Exposure assessment consists of developing realistic exposure scenarios for the specific problem. An exposure pathway analysis examines the ways by which a receptor is exposed to, or impacted by, a source of hazard. Risk characterization is the final step in the risk assessment process and the first input to the risk management process.
