Risk management is separate from risk assessment. Unlike risk assessment, risk management is not based solely on scientific considerations, since it also involves social, economic, and legal considerations to make regulatory and policy decisions. DPR considers these factors in analyzing the possible regulatory responses to potential health hazards. The process is necessarily subjective in that it requires value judgments on the acceptability of risks and the reasonableness of control measures. If the risk assessment shows an unacceptable level of risk, various exposure mitigation measures are first explored.
Exposure is the controllable element of risk.
In determining a mitigation strategy, DPR considers the effectiveness, practicality, and enforceability of mitigation measures. Available exposure reduction measures include changes in formulation, packaging, personal protective equipment and clothing, engineering controls, use restrictions, and elimination of certain uses. To make the best use of available scientific resources, pesticide active ingredients are prioritized for risk assessment by the Adverse Effects Advisory Panel. Active ingredients are prioritized into high, moderate, and low categories. Based on these criteria, the panel decides which pesticides have the greatest potential for health problems.