Risk Analysis: A Tool for Policy Decisions

Increased public and regulatory concern with risks imposed by technological undertakings has focused attention on risk analysis as a tool for aiding in risk- based decisions. Promulgating health, safety and environmental regulations; addressing product and environmental impairment liability in the light of recent adverse court decisions; qualifying new chemicals, pesticides and technological facilities to meet regulations are but a few of the many areas that require new tools and approaches to identify and sort out the many issues involved. Risk analysis, encompassing the assessment and management of risk, has been promoted as one such approach.