A human health risk assessment (HHRA) examines the possible risks to human health from exposure to contaminants in the environment. This type of study examines all the ways people may come in contact with the contaminant, through exposure pathways such as soil, water, air, dust, food, occupation and lifestyle. It also looks at the length of time people are in contact with the contaminant; someone who is exposed over a lifetime would be more at risk than someone whose exposure is temporary. 

In a human health risk assessment, researchers conduct studies to answer these questions:

• What are the contaminants that may pose a health risk?
• How are people being exposed to the contaminant(s)?
• How much of each contaminant are people being exposed to?
• What health risks may be associated with exposure?

 FACT SHEET: Human Health Risk Assessment