Risk Assessment

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Environmental Health Division

Contact Info
Health Risk Assessment Unit
651-201-4899
health.risk@state.mn.us

Contact Info

Health Risk Assessment Unit
651-201-4899
health.risk@state.mn.us

Health Risk Assessment

River in Minnesota flowing through a wooded area

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.

Contaminants of Emerging Concern (CEC) Initiative 
Clean Water Fund initiative at MDH.
Fish Consumption Guidance
Guidance about fish consumption in Minnesota.
Health Risk Limits Program
Review of contaminants historically found in Minnesota's groundwater.

Quick links

Human Health-Based Water Guidance Table

 

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

In the first step, scientists examine peer-reviewed studies of effects in humans, and laboratory animals, to determine the types of health problems a chemical can cause. Depending on the chemical, these health effects may include short-term (acute) ailments, such as headaches, rashes, and ear, nose and throat irritation; or chronic diseases, such as cancer. An important part of this step is an evaluation of the nature and strength of the evidence of causation between a chemical and an effect.

In this step, scientists estimate the amount, frequency, and duration of exposure to a chemical. They often use environmental monitoring data and mathematical models to estimate exposures. Scientists also evaluate the route of exposure (i.e., inhalation, ingestion, dermal contact, transplacental transfer) and any other scenario-specific exposure information.

In this step, scientists use the data gathered in Step 1 to estimate the amount of a chemical that is likely to result in a particular health effect. Dose-response assessment is the characterization of the relationship between exposure or dose and the incidence and severity of the adverse health effect. This step includes the evaluation of factors that influence dose-response relationships, such as intensity and pattern of exposure, and age and lifestyle variables that could affect susceptibility.

Based on the information gathered during steps 1-3, scientists estimate the probability or likelihood of risk(s) to the exposed population. An important part of this step is a discussion of the uncertainties and limitations associated with risk estimates.
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.
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Last Updated: 10/15/2024