Non-regulatory and cost-effectiveness control of carcinogenic hazard. The beginnings: a methodology for using animal data to decrease uncertainty in human risk of carcinogens released by energy technologies
A logical cost effective procedure for assessing carcinogenic risk associated with emerging energy technologies is outlined. All chemicals are assumed to be carcinogenic with a potency that has to be measured. In this scheme a non-carcinogen is a chemical with zero potency. If the carcinogenic potency in animals has not been measured, it may be assumed from an a priori measure. Using estimates of potency, exposure, and an interspecies factor (which also accounts for uncertainties in extrapolating the animal data to man), an estimate of risk and the uncertainty associated with that estimate is made, together with upper bounds on the risk. If the upper bound is small the risk is negligible and can be ignored. If it is large, the exposure at the level proposed should not be permitted. However further information may be obtained which changes the risk estimate or lowers the uncertainty so that the upper bound on the risk is reduced. Notice that estimation of the uncertainty is as important as estimation of a best value of risk.
- Research Organization:
- Harvard Univ., Cambridge, MA (USA). Energy and Environmental Policy Center
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC02-81EV10598
- OSTI ID:
- 6369004
- Report Number(s):
- DOE/EV/10598-1; ON: DE83009531
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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