Decision Process
. Each of the steps in the decision process can consist of multiple sequential and/or parallel steps. The above depicted approach suggests that decision makers may opt to declare a given ENM as being “safe” if early screening indicates (with the appropriate level of certainty) no exposure or hazard – in such a case the decision may be that further analysis may not be needed or needed at a lower level of resolution for further hazard identification, exposure analysis and thus environmental impact evaluation. On the other hand, if initial screening indicates that both exposure and a hazard are likely, the decision may be to proceed with detailed analysis along the steps indicated in the process.