What is the first step in the risk assessment process?

The first step in the risk assessment process is hazard identification. This process involves determining whether a particular substance or situation can potentially cause harm to human health or the environment. During hazard identification, factors such as the nature of the hazard, its sources, and potential health effects are evaluated. This foundational step is crucial because it sets the stage for subsequent analyses, including assessing the likelihood of exposure to the hazard and the potential risks associated with that exposure.

By clearly identifying hazards, professionals can then look at how and where exposure might occur, ensure proper data is gathered for further assessments, and prioritize risks that need management or mitigation. Without a thorough understanding of the hazards involved, any subsequent steps in the risk assessment process would lack focus and direction.

In this context, other steps like exposure assessment, risk characterization, and risk communication come after hazard identification. They build on the information and findings from this initial stage to provide a comprehensive evaluation of risks and guide decision-making.