Toxicology and Risk Assessment

{Toxicology Image} This group is the Risk Assessment unit for all state agencies. Risk assessment is a scientific process in which we estimate the amount of chemical exposure possible and combine that with the toxicity of the chemical(s) to estimate the risks to the general public. We use this technique to identify levels of contaminants in the environment (air, water, soil, food) that may be a health risk. In this manner, we help set cleanup standards. We also apply this to toxic chemical incidents that may involve spills and releases to the air, soil and water (e.g., chemical fires, tanker car accidents).