"that such probabilistic analysis techniques as Monte Carlo analysis, given adequate supporting data and credible assumptions, can be viable statistical tools for analyzing variability and uncertainty in risk assessments."
The importance of adequately characterizing variability and uncertainty in fate, transport, exposure and dose-response assessments for human health and ecological risk assessments has been emphasized in several U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) documents and activities.
As a follow up to these activities, EPA is issued a Policy for Use of Probabilistic Analysis in Risk Assessment and preliminary guidance on using probabilistic analysis. The policy documents the EPA's position "that such probabilistic analysis techniques as Monte Carlo analysis, given adequate supporting data and credible assumptions, can be viable statistical tools for analyzing variability and uncertainty in risk assessments.
Guiding Principles for Monte Carlo Analysis (EPA/630/R-97/001) presents a general framework and broad set of principles important for ensuring good scientific practices. Many of the principles apply generally to the various techniques for conducting quantitative analyses of variability and uncertainty; however, the focus of the principles is on Monte Carlo analysis. EPA recognizes that quantitative risk assessment methods and quantitative variability and uncertainty analysis are undergoing rapid development. The guiding principles are intended to serve as a minimum set of principles and are not intended to constrain or prevent the use of new or innovative improvements where scientifically defensible.
Document Details and Links
The policy establishes conditions that are to be satisfied by risk assessments that use probabilistic techniques.
These conditions relate to the good scientific practices:
- Clarity
- Consistency
- Transparency
- Reproducibility
- Use of sound methods
- Guiding Principles for Monte Carlo Analysis (PDF)(39 pp, 173 K, March 1997, 630-R-97-0)