Abstract |
The report documents the process and compares the results of the first year of two-year pilot Comparative Risk projects in EPA's Regions 1, 3, and 10. The projects use estimates of risk to human health, the environment, and economic welfare as a common measure for comparing and setting priorities among environmental problems within and across media. While the rankings are generally consistent across Regions, there were some important differences in risk for certain problems, pointing to areas where Regional priorities may differ from national priorities. In addition, causes of risk sometimes vary across Regions. These findings indicate the need for planning to account for geographic distinctions in the most effective methods for managing these risks. |