STEP 4: Risk Assessment
Having reviewed all the available information and conducted necessary testing, the risk assessment combines the information from Steps 1, 2 and 3. For each of the relevant compartments (i.e., water, soil, sediment), the anticipated exposure concentrations are compared with the toxicity information. Short-term exposure scenarios are compared with acute (short-term) toxicity data; long-term exposure scenarios are compared with chronic (long-term) toxicity data. Before safety clearance can be granted, the risk assessor must be able to demonstrate that adequate safety margins exist in each of the relevant compartments.
For down-the-drain products, wastewater treatment
and septic tanks are always considered in the risk assessment. Since most P&G products are intended for marketing initiatives around the world these days, the scenario of direct discharge of wastewater treatment plant effluents, still common in developing countries, is also included in the assessment.
For down-the-drain products, wastewater treatment
and septic tanks are always considered in the risk assessment. Since most P&G products are intended for marketing initiatives around the world these days, the scenario of direct discharge of wastewater treatment plant effluents, still common in developing countries, is also included in the assessment. Read about the next step: 
Post-Market Environmental Monitoring
Post-Market Environmental Monitoring