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(373) Multidimensional risk analysis of chemicals. Ranke, Johannes1, Stock, Frauke1, Jastorff, Bernd 1, 1 ABSTRACT- The dominating method of risk assessment of chemicals is based on the distinction between exposure and effects. These are assessed separately, and combined to a risk quotient for each target compartment, informing about the likelihood of inacceptable effects. Complementary to this approach based on one single risk dimension, there is a tendency to define the acceptability the use of a chemical on the basis of so-called intrinsic properties like persistence, long-range transport potential, bioaccumulation and toxicity. In an attempt to extend this approach and make it applicable also for the comparison of less well-known chemicals, the generation of a multidimensional risk profile is proposed, arranging risk relevant data into the five categories release rate, spatiotemporal range, bioaccumulation, biological activity and uncertainty of the evaluation. A risk indicator is used for scoring each substance in each category. Two case studies on antifouling biocides (Multidimensional risk analysis of antifouling biocides, Ranke, J. and B. Jastorff, Environ. Sci Poll. Res. 7(2) 105, 2000) and vulcanization agents have shown that this method can a) provide a method for reducing complexity of literature data, minimizing discharge of relevant information by maximizing flexibility regarding the type of input data and b) lead to the generation of risk profiles, which are subjective but in turn include the reflexive element of an evaluation of their own uncertainty. The purpose of these risk profiles is to support decision-makers in attempts to choose substances causing low risks of environmental damage. Key words: risk communication, multidimensional risk analysis, uncertainty, inherent properties |
