Despite its importance, risk assessment faces several challenges:
- Data Limitations: Incomplete or unreliable data can hinder accurate risk assessment. This is particularly true in low-resource settings. - Uncertainty and Variability: Biological, environmental, and social factors can introduce variability and uncertainty in risk estimates. - Complex Interactions: Multiple hazards and their interactions can complicate risk assessment. For example, combined exposure to multiple pollutants can have synergistic effects that are difficult to predict. - Ethical and Social Considerations: Risk assessments often need to balance scientific findings with ethical, social, and economic considerations.
