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Risk ManagementRisk assessment is the quantitative or qualitative evaluation of the potential for physical harm to result from a release of chemicals or pathogens. Risk assessment considers information describing an actual or potential release of chemicals or pathogens, the opportunity for human contact with the chemicals or pathogens, the potential level of exposure, the health effects of these agents, and the expected degree of harm. Risk assessments can be performed for hazardous waste sites, exposure to chemicals in the workplace or in consumer products, for waste incinerators, and many other situations. Many federal and state regulatory programs use or require risk assessments. CEA specializes in quantitative assessment of risks to health and the environment posed by chemical, physical, and microbiological agents. We apply regulatory risk assessment techniques, but also implement more rigorous methods when the regulatory approaches are inappropriate or inadequate. We construct models based on first principles of science and engineering, support them by experimental data, and address uncertainties. Our assessments are guided by local concerns, guidelines, policies, and precedents. In Massachusetts, we follow the guidelines provided by the MCP program to determine the risk characterization of a hazardous release or spill as it relates to human health. We focus on industrial releases; spills, air quality and ground water related issues. Chapter 21E of the MCP establishes the standard for "How Clean is Clean Enough?" Response actions are complete when a condition of "No Significant Risk" or harm to health, safety, public welfare, or the environment exists. |
