Chemicals in the environment: Public access information, Ussue No. 2, Winter 1995/1996

Abstract: The report focuses on topics and information relating to risk. Dealing with various aspects of risk is central to EPA`s and Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics (OPPT)`s mission. But the term `risk` is ambiguous and controversial. It has also become a significant issue for political and policy debates regarding national environmental programs and regulations. What is risk and how it is used in environmental decision-making. How does EPA communicate these issues to the public in order to solicit public input for policy, explain policy decisions or influences behavior. These questions delineate three important aspects of risk that EPA considers in its programs: risk assessment, risk management, and risk communication.