The EPA uses a comprehensive risk assessment process to evaluate the potential cancer risks posed by environmental contaminants. This process involves:
Hazard Identification: Determining whether a substance is capable of causing cancer. Dose-Response Assessment: Understanding the relationship between the amount of exposure and the occurrence of cancer. Exposure Assessment: Estimating the extent of human exposure to the carcinogen. Risk Characterization: Combining the information from the previous steps to provide an overall risk estimate.
