Risk characterization combines the results of hazard identification and exposure assessments to describe the probability and severity of adverse health or environmental effects. It also identifies the uncertainty at each step.
Risk characterization applies a variety of uncertainty factors to experimental data to estimate a virtually safe dose. The virtually safe dose is the highest “No Observed Adverse Effect Level” (NOAEL) in humans in all cases, taking into consideration these uncertainty factors.
The virtually safe dose estimate takes into account:
- Known differences between laboratory animals and humans, and the uncertainties in extrapolating from animals to humans
- Variations in the sensitivity of the exposed populations
- Strength of evidence that the chemical presents a real hazard to human health
- Type and severity of the putative adverse effect
- Potency of the toxic agent
- Quality of the experimental database, including known differences between experimental conditions and realistic exposures1
Dow applies a number of uncertainty factors in an effort to be cautious, or precautionary, and protective of human health and the environment.
Risk Review at Dow
Dow businesses also apply a process called the Business EH&S Risk Review Work Process, which describes the individual steps and roles and responsibilities involved in identifying, evaluating and managing EH&S risks associated with past, current and future business activities. The desired outcome of the successful application of this process is a minimization of possible adverse impacts on people, property and the environment as a result of Dow’s business activity, including minimizing EH&S impacts associated with new and existing operations, products, applications and services throughout their life cycle.
This Business Risk Review Work Process has been designed to meet, among other obligations, management practices outlined in the American Chemistry Council’s Responsible Care® program. It also helps Dow to meet requirements of the Responsible Care codes of chemical industry associations in countries outside of the U.S.
