When it comes to chemicals made using chlorine, as with many other chemicals, the chemical industry is committed to a Product Risk Management process that helps companies make beneficial products using safe and environmentally sound practices. Product Risk Management, a key element of product stewardship, is a structured, voluntary process which uses scientific principles to identify, assess and reduce risks to health, safety and the environment from chemical products or byproducts. Because of its versatility, chlorine can be used in many ways to benefit society - as long as any accompanying risks to health, safety and the environment are properly assessed and managed. Manufacturers, repackagers and users of chlorine work to develop and produce products that can be manufactured, transported, used and disposed of safely.
Risk is defined as the possibility of danger or harm.
Whether we're talking about the possibility of harm to human health or the environment, risk is determined by two things - hazard and exposure. In the chemical industry, the term hazard refers to the potential for a particular chemical to cause adverse health or environmental effects. Hazard takes into account not only how much of the chemical is necessary to cause adverse effects, but what kinds of effects they are. Exposure refers to the potential for actual contact between the chemical and humans, wildlife or the environment. When it comes to chemicals, the risk can be reduced by either limiting exposure to or reducing the hazards associated with the chemical.