The role of scientific research in risk assessment and risk management decisions.

Risk-based decisions are an integral part of societal efforts to protect the public from the harmful health effects of environmental pollution. Scientific information about the magnitude and extent of risks experienced by people and about the causes of those risks is a critical factor in setting priorities and choosing cost-effective mitigation strategies. To be effective in strengthening risk assessment and risk management decisions, research must focus on developing four types of predictive tools: (1) methods to screen and characterize toxicity; (2) biologically based dose-response models; (3) physiologically based pharmacokinetic models; and (4) integrated human exposure models. This approach is the key to reducing the uncertainties currently associated with many environmental health problems.