Health risk assessment research: implications for synthetic vitreous fibers

While synthetic vitreous fibers (SVFs) are thought responsible for respiratory illnesses, more research is needed to understand the nature of exposure. Much of the research necessary to evaluate the risk of the possible health effects to humans will be supported by the U.S. Federal Government, either specifically to elucidate the effects from exposure to SVFs, or more generally to improve the process of risk assessment. In this context, the Office of Technology Assessment (OTA) examined the Federal research activities to improve risk assessment, with a focus on current activities and the funding and management of that research. OTA defined risk assessment research as research designed to improve the process of health risk assessment or chemical-specific risk estimates. OTA found that risk assessment is not a national research priority. Environmental health research funding has neither kept up with increases in health research nor with increases in environmental mandates that depend on that research for decision making. OTA finds the need to stress the interdependency and the linkage of the various research activities, risk assessment, and policy making. Finally, the exploration of many promising areas for research requires linkages not only among various scientific disciplines but also with decision makers.