Risk Assessment
Related Topics
Environmental Health Division
Health Risk Assessment
The Health Risk Assessment Unit consists of the following three areas: Contaminants of Emerging Concern Initiative, Health Risk Limits, and Fish Consumption Guidance. The Health Risk Assessment Unit develops water guidance for both legacy and emerging contaminants in Minnesota.
Clean Water Fund initiative at MDH.
Guidance about fish consumption in Minnesota.
Review of contaminants historically found in Minnesota's groundwater.
Quick links
Human Health-Based Water Guidance Table
- 2024 Clean Water Fund Performance Report (PDF)
- Estimation of Serum PFOA Concentrations from Drinking and Non–Drinking Water Exposures | Environmental Health Perspectives | Vol. 131, No. 6
- Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in powdered infant formula: potential exposures and health risks | Journal of Environmental Exposure Assessment | 3, 14
- Screening for drinking water contaminants of concern using an automated exposure-focused workflow | Journal of Exposure Science & Environmental Epidemiology
What is human health risk assessment?
Human health risk assessment is used to evaluate the effects of a chemical or substance (contaminant) on human health using the best available scientific information. The guidance values developed through the risk assessment process are used by government agencies, policymakers, and the public to make informed decisions about preventing and reducing risks. Risk assessment is also used to identify vulnerable populations (e.g. infants, children, elderly) who may be at a higher risk from exposure to contaminants.
Risk assessment involves collaboration with staff from a variety of disciplines, including: chemistry, physiology, toxicology, exposure assessment, biostatistics, epidemiology, and risk communication. The Health Risk Assessment Unit consults with colleagues at MDH, federal agencies, and academic institutions.
The four-step process for health risk assessment
Health risk assessments often have a considerable degree of uncertainty because of the limitations of available human exposure and toxicity data. When limited data are available, scientists use conservative assumptions based on the best available scientific information to protect public health. As new data become available, scientists incorporate new information, as appropriate, by conducting refined assessments to improve risk estimates.