The risk assessment process. Point of view of a biocide manufacturer [Évaluation du risque. Point de vue d'un fabricant de biocide]
IRG/WP 3568
D Baur
Risk assessment is an inherent part of our everyday lives. The risk assessment equation combines Hazards and Exposure. For the Wood Preservation Industry, the hazards may be characterised by the toxicity a the ecotoxicity of chemicals and the exposure by the identification of exposed people, of the exposure routes and exposure frequency. To quantify the exposure, good co-operation is required between the manufacturer, the formulator and the end user. In the absence of exposure data, mathematical models can be used to estimate exposure using worse case scenarios. Having established the risk associated with a product or process, the manufacturer should work with the end-user to establish and communicate risk management practices.