[Evaluating health risk tolerance and risk assessment]

According to current regulations, major projects are subject to an environmental impact assessment. Within this framework, not only ecological criteria have to be met, but also the possible health impact for the exposed population must assessed. In the absence of limit values for carcinogenic substances in the air, the health impact assessment can be based on quantitative risk assessment. This technology was formerly developed for the assessment of cancer risk imposed by existing environmental exposures, but it is also suitable for the prediction of future exposures and their health consequences. This is demonstrated by using a planned toxic waste incinerator as a model.