Risk Evaluation

Risk evaluation is a procedure that brings together professionals from the fields of chemistry, biology, toxicology, and statistics in order to determine the risk associated with exposure to a certain chemical. Judgment of risk involves determining both the chance contact and harshness of that exposure. One this is done, an estimate of the overall risk is made. Studies have shown how people perceive various risks. The perception of the risk depends on some rather interesting factors. Voluntary risks, such as smoking or flying, are much more easily accepted than voluntary ones, such as herbicide on apple or asbestos in buildings. People also often conclude that anything man-made is bad, while anything natural is good. Risk measurement may provide information the degree of risk but not on whether the chemical is safe. Safety is qualitative judgment based on many personal factors including beliefs, preferences, benefits, and costs. Forensic scientists and investigators are not exempted from risk evaluation. They are exposed to numerous chemicals and such must learn and judge the risks in using these. Techniques such as forensic comparison microscopy entail the use of chemicals.

We usually read on newspapers some problems that rely on Science nowadays. You might have read about: • Developing an AIDS vaccine • Banning the use of herbicide and pesticide • Analyzing DNA to determined genetic disease, biological parents, or to a place criminal at the scene of the crime • Removing asbestos from public buildings • Removing lead from drinking water • The danger of radon in our homes • Global warming • The hole in the zone layer • Health associated with coffee, alcohol, margarine, saturated fats, and other foods • Burning of tropical forest and the effect of global ecology • Health risk from tobacco use

Which of these risks show true threat to us and which are less frightening? These problems will be around for many years, and new ones will continually added to the list. Wherever we live and whatever our occupation, each of us is exposed to chemical hazard every day. The question we must address is: Do the risks outweigh benefits? Once a risk has been assessed, the next step is to manage it. This involves ethics, economics, and equity as well as government and politics. For example, some things perceived as low risk as scientists such as asbestos in building are classified as high risk by the general public. This inconsistency may result in the expenditure of millions of dollars to rid as of a perceived threat that may be much lower than the general public believes.

Risk management involves value judgments that integrate social, economic, and political issues. These risks must then be weighed against the benefits of new technologies and products that will replace the old problem. We used both risk assessment and risk management to decide whether to buy a certain product such as pesticide, take a certain drug such as pain reliever, or eat certain foods such as the food sold on the streets. Some might contain the microscopic bacterium E.coli.

We must realize that all risk can never be completely eliminated. Minimizing unnecessary risks and making responsible decision regarding necessary risks should b a goal. This philosophy should also be applied in scientific techniques such as forensic comparison microscopy.

Analyzing DNA to determine diseases and DNA testing prove to show paternity of an individual is used by many forensic agents. They also use forensic comparison microscopy to connect the suspect to the crime scene. Forensic microscope such as the forensic comparison microscope is used in conjunction with forensic comparison microscopy

The theorist and models used in risks assessment are based on assumptions and therefore contains uncertainties. Improve your understanding of the concepts of chemistry and you will be able to understand the capabilities and limitations of science. You can then intelligently question the process of risk assessment and make decision that will lead to a better understanding of our world and our responsibilities to each other. Read more on this subject

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