Risk assessment of chemicals combines exposure and its potentially adverse effects in the life-cycle of chemicals. Based on collected data for use volumes, emissions and fate exposure modelling can predict the exposure concentration of a specific chemical released into the environment due to production processes or the use of preparations and products. The EU Technical Guidance Document on Risk Assessment describes the principles used for basic calculations of predicted exposure concentrations using the modelling tool EUSES. When a site-specific exposure assessment is requested, for example in relation to industrial wastewater emissions to local water areas, the use of more sophisticated tools should be considered. The proposal for a European chemicals’ regulation (REACH) includes so-called exposure scenarios in the assessment, which combine predictions of emissions and the effect of risk management measures.

DHI has developed tools for modelling the exposure concentrations in the indoor climate, for example the working environment or living rooms (using the tool ‘VOICE’). Exposure concentrations of chemicals in the aquatic environment and the risk of adverse effects, may be predicted using chemical specific templates and DHI's ECO Lab software. Knowledge of the eco-toxic effects of chemicals is obtained through extensive R&D project records and many years of test experience in DHI's Ecotoxicological Laboratory.

DHI has conducted numerous risk assessments related either to site-specific emission scenarios (for instance industrial production site) or to more generic emissions of chemicals to the environment. Relevant examples include risk assessments of chemicals or water produced due to off-shore activities, the transport of hydrocarbon fuels, and chemicals used as ingredients in commercial preparations.