assessment. Therefore, it is incumbent on us to make and record high-quality observations, such as adding a temperature estimate to the observation of the hazardous food sitting on the counter or providing documentation of the roaches with a photograph to enhance the validity of the risk assessment. Selection of the appropriate direct measurements (e.g., temperature) and the documentation of how the measurements were conducted, as well as equipment calibration, time, etc., are neces- sary. Similarly, the selection of samples to be taken (e.g., water, soil, air, food), the selec- tion of sampling locations (e.g., sampling the water from the kitchen tap or the pres- sure tank tap), and the number of samples to achieve statistical validity become critical in building the data set required to make a good risk assessment. Risk Communication Risk communication is the second imperative in dealing with risk. Environmental health professionals must e ectively communicate the risk to the potentially exposed popula- tion. Communication is an interactive pro- cess of exchanging information and opinions on risk among risk assessors, risk managers, and stakeholders. Risk communication can be with individuals, groups, or both. Notice the words “interactive” and “with.” Risk com- munication involves an exchange of informa- tion, answering questions, and being truth- ful. Proper risk communication messages include the following: • Uncomplicated language • Clear statements and recommendations • Active language • Cultural sensitivity Regardless of the risk outcome, it is impor- tant to communicate risks to the public. It is also important to communicate what is not known to the public and what is being done about it. E ective risk communication helps to build our professional credibility within the communities we practice. Risk Perception Risk perception is another important con- sideration. We need to try to understand how risks could be viewed by the various groups involved in a situation. Risk is per- ceived by individuals and groups di erently based on numerous factors, including prior knowledge and experience with the risk
FIGURE 1
Classic Characterization of Risk in Environmental Public Health
FIGURE 2
Risk Framework
Note. Adapted from the risk framework presented at the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences Disaster Research Response (DR2) Workshop held on August 10, 2022, in Seattle, Washington.
on a counter, or an inoperable dishwasher could be used to qualitatively determine that a food service operation has the potential to present a risk to the public health. If soil and groundwater concentrations are used to calculate the additional lifetime cancer risk associated with contaminants found during environmental media sampling, we are then
conducting a quantitative risk assessment. We could be called on to conduct both types of risk assessments. The observations, measurements, and/or sampling conducted by environmental health professionals are a key part of the risk assess- ment process. The risk assessment will only be as accurate as the data used to make the
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June 2023 • Journal of Environmental Health
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