What is acceptable risk: A statistical, ecological or societal value

Conference · Sat Dec 30 23:00:00 EST 1995

OSTI ID:203643

Gaudet, C; Milne, D ^[1]

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1. Environment Canada, Hull, Quebec (Canada)

As the scientific and technical basis for ecological risk assessment improves and the level of uncertainty in estimating risk decreases, the ability to clearly define and agree on a level of acceptable risk seems to be a moving target. Inconsistency in deciding an acceptable level of risk can promote inconsistency in decision-making irrespective of the scientific rigor of the ERA. The authors review approaches to establishing acceptable risk in development of risk-based sediment, soil and water criteria and in guidance on ecological risk assessments, including the role of societal values and economics in driving decisions.

• OSTI ID: 203643
• Report Number(s): CONF-9511137--; ISBN 1-880611-03-1
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY
DATA COVARIANCES
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
RISK ASSESSMENT
SEDIMENTS
SOCIO-ECONOMIC FACTORS
SOILS
STANDARDS