the management of environmental contamination requires decision makers to weigh existing risks against the potential effects of implementing environmental policies, considering both the benefits and disruptions that may result from different courses of action. the present book represents an major advance in the development and application of cost-efficient methods of risk assessment, especially under circumstances of budget constraints and in developing countries. the book explores the potential of risk assessment to act as a unified and unifying technique for addressing a wide range of environmental problems. a wide range of issues are discussed, ranging from specific and local studies through global decision and management frameworks. the approaches developed range from specific methods through widely applied public policies. the book shows that the use of risk assessment can provide the scientific basis for environmentally sound, cost-effective policies, strategies and solutions to our environmental challenges.