Hazard Characterization

{
  "id": "MLC-T-ENV-012886",
  "term": "Hazard Characterization",
  "field": "Environment",
  "definition": "1. A description of the potential adverse health effects attributable to a specific environmental agent, the mechanisms by which agents exert their toxic effects, and the associated dose, route, duration, and timing of exposure.\n\n2. The qualitative or quantitative evaluation of the nature of the adverse effects associated with biological, chemical, and physical agents.\n\n3. A description of the potential adverse health effects attributable to a specific environmental agent, the mechanisms by which agents exert their toxic effects, and the associated dose, route, duration, and timing of exposure. [EPA 2003]\n\n4. The qualitative and/or quantitative evaluation of the nature of the adverse health effects associated with the hazard. For the purpose of Microbiological Risk Assessment the concerns relate to microorganisms and/or their toxins. [CAC 1999]\n\n5. The qualitative and/or quantitative evaluation of the nature of the adverse health effects associated with biological, chemical and physical agents which may be present in food. For chemical agents, a dose-response assessment should be performed. For biological or physical agents, a dose-response assessment should be performed if the data are obtainable. [CAC 2003, FAO/WHO 2003b]\n\n6. The qualitative or quantitative evaluation of the nature of the adverse effects associated with biological, chemical, and physical agents. [FDA 2002]\n\n7. The qualitative and, wherever possible, quantitative description of the inherent properties of an agent or situation having the potential to cause adverse effects. This should, where possible, include a dose-response assessment and its attendant uncertainties. Hazard Characterization is the second stage in the process of Hazard Assessment, and the second step in Risk Assessment. [IPCS/OECD 2004]",
  "subject": "Health and safety",
  "references": [
    "Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS) Glossary; EPA 2003",
    "FDA 2002",
    "Thesaurus of Terms Used in Microbial Risk Assessment"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/environment/hazard-characterization/"
}