The Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics (OPPT) has developed several exposure assessment methods, databases, and predictive models to help in evaluating:

•  what happens to chemicals when they are used and released to the environment; and 
•  how workers, the general public, consumers and the aquatic ecosystems may be exposed to chemicals. 

 

These models and tools are intended to be used by scientists and engineers familiar with exposure assessment principles. They may be helpful when appropriate monitoring data are not available or need to be supplemented, and in:

• considering potential exposure when designing and selecting products and processes;
• and evaluating pollution prevention opportunities.
  

 

The results of an exposure assessment are generally combined with a hazard assessment (potential for a chemical to cause adverse health or environmental effects). When combined, this information is used to evaluate whether there is a potential risk that requires Agency attention.