Environmental Risk Assessment
Environmental Risk Assessment - Related Videos
19:15
Assessment and Evaluation of the High Risk Neonate: The NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale
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Cited by 40 •
2014
The NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale (NNNS) was developed as an assessment for the at-risk infant. The purpose of this article is to describe the NNNS, provide video examples of the NNNS procedures and discuss the ways in which the exam has been used.
09:08
Developing a Salivary Antibody Multiplex Immunoassay to Measure Human Exposure to Environmental Pathogens
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Cited by 11 •
2016
In the current climate of scarce resources, new technologies are emerging that allow researchers to conduct studies cheaper, faster and with more precision. Here we describe the development of a bead-based salivary antibody multiplex immunoassay to measure human exposure to multiple environmental pathogens simultaneously.
10:41
Carbon and Nitrogen Analysis of Environmental Samples
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2023
Source: Laboratories of Margaret Workman and Kimberly Frye - Depaul University Elemental Analysis is a method used to determine elemental composition of a material. In environmental samples such as soils, scientists are particularly interested in the amounts of two ecologically important elements, nitrogen and carbon. Elemental analysis by the flash combustion technique works by oxidizing the sample with a catalyst through combustion in a high-temperature chamber. The products of combustion are...
10:48
Aseptic Technique in Environmental Science
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2023
Source: Laboratories of Dr. Ian Pepper and Dr. Charles Gerba - The University of Arizona Demonstrating Author: Luisa Ikner Aseptic technique is a fundamental skill widely practiced in the field of environmental microbiology that requires a balance of mindfulness and practice in the laboratory. Proper use of this technique reduces the likelihood of bacterial or fungal contamination of reagents, culture media, and environmental samples. Aseptic technique is also vital to ensure data integrity and...
06:50
The Use of the Puzzle Box as a Means of Assessing the Efficacy of Environmental Enrichment
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Cited by 33 •
2014
Environmental enrichment provides a potential protective effect against neurodegenerative disorders. Currently, however, there is no easy way of determining the efficacy of enrichment procedures. This protocol describes a simple “Puzzle Box” method for assessing an animal’s cognitive function, in order to reveal the effectiveness of environmental enrichment.
FAQs
Risk characterization connects the earlier findings into a conclusion about likely outcomes under defined conditions. It considers both the nature of the stressor and its estimated magnitude, rather than treating hazard alone as sufficient evidence of risk. This synthesis helps distinguish situations requiring action from those needing more information or tighter exposure controls.
Exposure assessment follows how a stressor can reach a receptor through air, water, soil, or food, while dose-response or effect analysis examines which outcomes are associated with the amount received. Considering these parts together prevents a severe hazard with little relevant exposure from being interpreted in the same way as a lower hazard with substantial exposure.
Environmental risk assessment handles uncertainty by combining monitoring data, laboratory studies, and models rather than relying on one evidence source. Uncertainty may arise when pathway information, stressor levels, or effects are incomplete. Identifying vulnerable receptors and stating the conditions used makes the final characterization more transparent and shows where additional measurements could improve confidence.
A practical workflow begins by identifying the pollutant, chemical, or other stressor and the potentially affected receptor. The assessor then examines relevant pathways, estimates exposure using monitoring data or models, evaluates dose-response or effects with available studies, and characterizes risk under defined conditions. Results are interpreted alongside uncertainty and vulnerability.
Monitoring data indicate environmental conditions, laboratory studies provide evidence about effects, and models represent exposure or outcomes under defined conditions. Information from air, water, soil, and food pathways can be integrated with receptor and stressor details. Using these complementary sources supports a more complete characterization than any single source alone.
Results can guide regulatory decisions, pollution control, site remediation, chemical management, and environmental planning. The assessment does not merely identify a potential problem; it helps prioritize actions by relating likely outcomes to the stressor's magnitude, pathways, exposed receptors, and uncertainty. This supports decisions aimed at reducing risk to people, organisms, ecosystems, or ecological services.