Scientific uncertainty and science-policy interactions in the risk assessment of hazardous chemicals

Abstract

In this chapter relatively recent European Commission risk assessment reports for three potential PBT/vPvB chemicals are used as examples to illustrate scientific uncertainty in the risk assessment process, and how science and policy interact when such uncertainty is handled. The studied risk assessment reports are for pentabromodiphenylether (Penta), octabromodiphenylether (Octa), and decabromodiphenylether (Deca) and the analyses focus on the scientific basis for assessing the risk of potential PBT and vPvB properties as described in these documents. The purpose of this effort is to contribute to a discussion aiming at clarifying the nature of science-policy interactions, and improving the transparency of the risk assessment process. © 2010 Springer Science+Business Media B.V.