The Phases of Ecological Risk Assessment

• Clicking Problem Formulation reveals the text:

Problem formulation provides the foundation for the risk assessment. Problem formulation provides the foundation for ecological risk assessment. Problem formulation answers the following questions:

1. What problem(s) are we addressing?
2. What is the best ecological focus for the risk assessment?
3. How should we approach the assessment?

• Clicking Analysis reveals the text:

During analysis, risk assessors gather data to

1. Characterize exposure (i.e., where stressors come from, how they behave in the environment, and the degree to which they contact the ecological entity of concern).
2. Characterize the effect these stressors might have on the ecological entity of concern.

• Clicking Risk Characterization reveals the text:

In risk characterization, risk assessors use the results of analysis to

• Estimate and describe the ecological risk.
  
• Indicate the overall degree of confidence in the risk estimates.
  
• Cite evidence supporting the risk estimates.
  
• Interpret the adversity of ecological effects.

Risk estimates may be qualitative or quantitative. A good risk characterization will

• Express results clearly.
  
• Articulate major assumptions and uncertainties.
  
• Identify reasonable alternative interpretations.
  
• Separate scientific conclusions from policy judgments.