The report provides basic information and a general discussion of the steps and technical issues involved in conducting a risk assessment. It also identifies and briefly describes available risk assessment methods. This information is intended to assist State and local agencies make informed decisions on whether to conduct a risk assessment and on what methods are appropriate for a particular situation. Because method selection depends on many factors such as the goals of the risk assessment, the available information, and time and resource constraints, the report discusses key features, basic assumptions and uncertainties, inputs and outputs, potential uses, and the relative level of expertise, time, and resources needed to use each methodology.

Cover title: A descriptive guide to risk assessment methodologies for toxic air pollutants. Project manager: Kelly Rimer. Prepared by R.T.I. (Research Triangle Institute)--under Contract Number 68-D2-0065. "Air Risk Information Support Center"--Cover.