Hazard quotient

{
  "id": "MLC-T-ENV-012891",
  "term": "Hazard quotient",
  "field": "Environment",
  "term_source": "Hazard Quotient",
  "definition": "1. The ratio of an exposure level to a substance to a toxicity value selected for the risk assessment for that substance (e.g., LOAEL or NOAEL).\n\n2. The ratio of an exposure level by a contaminant (e.g., maximum concentration) to a screening value selected for the risk assessment for that substance (e.g. LOAEL or NOAEL). If the exposure level is higher than the toxicity value, then there is the potential for risk to the receptor.\n\n3. The ratio of estimated site-specific exposure to a single chemical from a site over a specified period to the estimated daily exposure level, at which no adverse health effects are likely to occur.\n\n4. The ratio of a single substance exposure level over a specified time period (e.g., chronic) to a reference value (e.g., an RfC) for that substance derived from a similar exposure period.\n\n5. The ratio of the potential exposure to a substance and the level at which no adverse effects are expected (calculated as the exposure divided by the appropriate chronic or acute value). A hazard quotient of 1 or lower means chronic adverse noncancer effects are unlikely, and thus can be considered to have negligible hazard. For HQs greater than 1, the potential for adverse effects increases, but we do not know by how much. Read more about hazard quotients in Section 6 of the AirToxScreen Technical Support Document.",
  "abbreviation": "HQ",
  "subject": "Science and research",
  "references": [
    "Waste and Cleanup Risk Assessment Glossary",
    "Ecological Risk Assessment Glossary of Terms",
    "Terms of Environment; EPA 2005b",
    "EPA 2004",
    "AirToxScreen Glossary of Terms"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/environment/hazard-quotient/"
}