Title: Science and precaution in the risk analysis of chemicals

Authors: Carlo Zaghi, Gaetano Cecchetti, Joseph Fontana, Marcelo Enrique Conti

Addresses: Ministero dell'ambiente e della tutela del territorio, Direzione generale per la salvaguardia ambientale, Divisione VII Valutazione del rischio ambientale di prodotti chimici, Via C. Colombo, 44 00147 Rome, Italy. ' Centro per le Valutazioni Ambientali delle Attivita Industriali, Universita di Urbino, Ex Sogesta Loc. Crocicchia, 61029 Urbino (PS), Italy. ' Centro per le Valutazioni Ambientali delle Attivita Industriali, Universita di Urbino, Ex Sogesta Loc. Crocicchia, 61029 Urbino (PS), Italy. ' Dipartimento di Controllo e Gestione delle Merci e del loro Impatto sull'Ambiente, Universita ''La Sapienza'', Via del Castro Laurenziano, 9, 00161 Rome, Italy

Abstract: This work shows the risk assessment procedures for chemicals and the factors that can determine the area of scientific uncertainty in the evaluation process, making the application of the precautionary principle necessary. The nature of the actions to be adopted on the basis of the precautionary approach, that is expressly included in the European Union Treaty, can be quite different. These actions aim to identify and reduce potential effects on human health and environment when there is a suspicion of serious and irreversible risks. The analysis of the alternative options is a fundamental part of the precautionary approach such as the practice of the substitution through safer alternatives and technological innovations. In the risk analysis process, the application of the precautionary principle for chemicals might take on a more significant role as a consequences of the new European chemical policy introduced by the presentation of the White Paper.

Keywords: chemicals policy; cost-benefit analysis; environmental properties; exposure; precautionary principle; REACH system; risk analysis; risk assessment; scientific uncertainty; substitution principle; human health.

DOI: 10.1504/IJRAM.2005.007171

International Journal of Risk Assessment and Management, 2005 Vol.5 No.2/3/4, pp.271 - 285

Published online: 02 Jun 2005 *

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