NAS Report on EPA Risk Assessment Process

EPA's Risk Assessment Process Bogged Down by Unprecedented Challenges;
Expansion of Current Model Could Help Meet Needs

http://www8.nationalacademies.org/onpinews/newsitem.aspx?RecordID=12032008

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's process of generating risk
assessments -- which estimate the potential adverse effects posed by
harmful chemicals found in the environment in order to protect public
health -- is bogged down by unprecedented challenges, and as a
decision-making tool it is often hindered by a disconnect between
available scientific data and the information needs of officials, says a
new report from the National Research Council.  EPA's risk assessment
process should be streamlined to ensure the appropriate use of available
science, technical accuracy, and tailoring to the specific needs of the
problem.

Report and summary are linked at
http://www.nas.edu/morenews/20081203.html