[The LaboRisCh algorithm, a tool for the assessing chemical risk for health: scientific uncertainty management]

The LaboRisCh algorithm is a practical tool for the first-level assessment of the health risk from chemicals in research laboratories and similar workplaces. Through the assessment of the risk index related to each agent (Ra), the algorithm leads to the calculation of the value of a baseline risk index (Rb), and finally to a corrected risk index (Rc). The value of Rc sets the relevant condition in one of three health risk zones. The algorithm also includes carcinogens and mutagens, whose presence mandates the addition of the c/m subscript (Rc(c/m)). The addition is automatic for agents allocated the EU risk phrases R40, R45, R46, R49 and R68; whereas it is at the discretion of the evaluator for non EU-classified agents that belong to EU categories 1 or 2 and/or to IARC categories 1, 2A or 2B. Further research has led to integration of the algorithm. For instance, similarly to the provision for carcinogens and mutagens, the r subscript (Rc(r)) is now required for agents that are considered toxic to reproduction allocated or attributable to risk phrases R60, R61, R62 and R63.