Risk assessments evalute potential adverse health effects from harmful chemicals in the environment. They inform decisions including air- and water-quality standards, and food, drug, and consumer product safety. Unfortunately, the risk assessment process is bogged down by challenges to its timeliness and credibility, a lack of adequate resources, and a disconnect with needs of decision-makers. This report advises EPA on potential improvements.
The presence of tetrachloroethylne (PCE or PERC) in the environment has been linked to cancer and other health effects. This report reviews EPA's draft assessment of PCE, used to guide air-and water-standards.
Despite its many known benefits, energy production and use also has adverse effects on human health, property, and the environment that are not reflected in market prices. This Congressionally mandate report estimates that the hidden costs of damages in 2005 amounted to more than $120 billion dollars, including those associated with pollution's effect on human health, crops, timber yields, and other areas.
This award-winning report from BEST and the Institute for Laboratory Animal Research (ILAR) recommends a greater reliance on in vitro methods that evaluate chemicals’ effects in cells, cell lines, or cellular components, greatly reducing the need for animal testing.
Accidental releases of chemicals due to spills, industrial explosions, fires, accidents, or acts of terrorism pose significant risks to emergency responders. The Acute Exposure Guideline Levels (AEGLs) program provides crucial information regarding safe limits of short-term exposure to chemicals. AEGL values are the world standard to guide emergency planning, prevention, and response.