Integrated Assessment of Environmental Risk and Human Response

Meaningful risk assessment for environmental problems requires an integrated consideration of physical science and human behavioral issues. This is particularly true when dissaggregate decision making occurs by individuals facing uncertain or poorly characterized environmental risks. Examples of models that incorporate both pollutant behavior and human decision-making behavior are presented, focusing on models for indoor air pollution exposure. The mental models paradigm is referenced as a mechanism for understanding individual risk perception for this type of problem. Development of integrated models provides an opportunity for collaborative research between physical and decision scientists and can provide a basis for more effective management of environmental risks.