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Abstract:
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EPA is required to make risk management decisions to protect public health and the environment. The environmental scenarios are invariably complex, time for evaluation is limited, and data are generally lacking in at least some areas of risk assessment underlying the risk management. In order to proceed in a transparent and consistent fashion, EPA develops science policy, which may include publication of guidelines, and the definition of default values and procedures. There are distinctions between science policy and policy based on science. Two case studies will be presented: the development of guidance for quantitative adjustment of cancer slope factors to address special risks of early life stage exposure; and factors to consider in selecting a benchmark response level. In the former case (but not the latter) scientists and statisticians were able to formulate a science policy.
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