What is IRIS (www.epa.gov/IRIS)?
IRIS, the Integrated Risk Information System, is an EPA database containing EPA’s position on the potential adverse human health effects that may result from chronic (or lifetime) exposure to specified chemical substances found in the environment. IRIS currently provides health effects information on over 500 specific chemical substances. IRIS contains chemical specific summaries of qualitative and quantitative health information in support of the first two steps of the risk assessment process, i.e., hazard identification and dose response evaluation. IRIS information includes the reference dose for noncancer health effects resulting from oral exposure, the reference concentration for noncancer health effects resulting from inhalation exposure, and the cancer assessment for both oral and inhalation exposure. Combined with specific situational exposure assessment information, the summary health hazard information in IRIS may be used as a source in evaluating potential public health risk
