Environmental Health Risk Assessment in the Federal Government: A Visual Overview and a Renewed Call for Coordination

Area of Science:

• Environmental Health
• Toxicology
• Public Health Policy

Background:

• Multiple U.S. federal agencies conduct chemical evaluations under distinct legal mandates.
• Existing summaries of these diverse risk assessment processes are not readily available.
• Chemical assessments cover various exposure scenarios, including environmental, occupational, and consumer product exposures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a consolidated overview of federal chemical evaluation and assessment processes.
• To highlight the roles and outcomes of these assessments in public health.
• To identify opportunities for improved interagency collaboration and research.

Main Methods:

• Development of a novel infographic visualizing over 30 federal chemical assessment processes.
• Categorization of assessments by agency, statutory requirement, and exposure domain.
• Analysis of assessment outcomes, including guidance, recommendations, and regulatory actions.

Main Results:

• The infographic details numerous statutorily mandated chemical assessments across various domains.
• Most assessments provide authoritative public health information and guidance.
• Less than half of the assessments directly lead to risk management actions or regulations.

Conclusions:

• A clear summary of federal chemical assessment processes is lacking.
• Enhanced interagency collaboration, particularly on aggregate risk assessment, is crucial.
• Understanding these processes can guide research priorities and inform public health policy.