What does cumulative risk assessment evaluate?

Cumulative risk assessment evaluates combined risks from multiple sources or stressors, which is essential for understanding the overall impact on human health and the environment. This type of assessment recognizes that individuals and populations are often exposed to a variety of risk factors simultaneously, rather than in isolation. By considering the interactions and cumulative effects of these various sources, the assessment provides a more comprehensive understanding of total risk.

Focusing solely on individual risks from a single source overlooks potential interactions and synergies between different risk factors, which may underestimate the actual risk. Additionally, concentrating only on the most severe risks fails to account for the cumulative effects of less severe hazards, which can be significant when combined. Assessing only outcomes of past risk assessments does not provide a proactive view of current and future risks, which is essential for effective risk management. Thus, cumulative risk assessment serves as a crucial tool in identifying and mitigating risks associated with multiple sources or stressors.