Human and Ecological Risk Assessment: An International Journal

Human and Ecological Risk Assessment: An International Journal (HERA) provides a resource for policy-makers and professionals researching and assessing environmental hazards to both humans and ecological systems. The editors expect papers published to be original, novel, of sound science, and purposeful for risk assessment, communication, management, and monitoring. The content of the papers should primarily contribute to the improvement of knowledge and methodology for risk assessment, including the establishment of measures for reducing, mitigating, and(or) preventing health risks in humans and ecosystems. Papers should not be of merely local or regional interest, but should address their implications for discipline-wide and(or) international relevance.


SCOPE AND RESEARCH THEMES

The journal is an international peer-reviewed publication that currently publishes ten issues annually. The journal's scope includes scientific and technical information and critical analysis in the areas of human health risk assessment, ecological risk assessment, and a few cross-cutting issues (e.g., climate change). These tracks are divided into the following research themes. Manuscripts that address any of these themes will be considered.

Human health risk assessment
Manuscripts must address at least one component of the human health risk assessment process, which includes (1) hazard identification, (2) dose-response assessment, (3) exposure assessment, and (4) risk characterization. The findings must contribute to the improved knowledge of human health risk assessment. While HERA focuses primarily on risk assessment of chemical stressors (i.e., exogenous and endogenous hazardous substances/agents), we also consider manuscripts that address health risks induced by non-chemical stressors such as climate change, selected physical and biological agents (such as radiation, microplastics, particulate matter, microorganisms, etc.). Manuscripts addressing aggregate and cumulative risks among susceptible or underserved populations are welcome.

Ecological risk assessment
Manuscripts must address or provide information that contributes to the improved knowledge of at least one component of ecological risk assessment of chemical and(or) non-chemical stressors in the environment. The ecological risk assessment process includes (1) identification of stressors and their characteristics, including the ecological system at risk; (2) characterization of exposure; (3) characterization of ecological effects, and (4) risk characterization. Manuscripts will not be considered if they are primarily data reports (i.e., describe chemical monitoring of common contaminants without risk assessment or hypotheses).

Methods in risk assessment
HERA also considers manuscripts that contribute to the improvement of methodologies for use in human and ecological risk assessments. This includes manuscripts that present or discuss analytical (quantitative) methodology, new approach methodologies (NAMs), model development, advanced computational methods for risk estimation, statistical models, and methods for quantitative and comparative risk assessment, etc. Models should include calibration and data validation.

Risk communication, management, and monitoring
Risk assessment usually does not end at risk characterization, but the process continues to include risk communication, management, and monitoring. HERA will consider manuscripts describing and/or analyzing these components in a particular case study or scenario. In addition, HERA also considers any manuscripts that describe alternative approaches to improving the outcomes of these processes.

Policy and regulatory issues related to human health and environmental risks
HERA considers manuscripts that present the design of environmental and public health policy measures to avoid or minimize risks associated with chemical and(or) non-chemical stressors in humans and ecosystems. In addition, manuscripts that present the analysis results of specific risk policies or policy considerations (e.g., accountability studies) are also welcome. HERA also aims to publish manuscripts that seek to improve the regulation of hazardous materials in the environment. In addition, HERA will consider manuscripts that address and characterize regulatory issues and/or mitigate current regulatory impacts relating to chemical and(or) non-chemical stressors that pose a risk to the health of humans and the ecosystem.

Human and ecological risks related to climate change
Climate change presents challenging risks to the health of humans and ecosystems across the globe. HERA seeks to publish manuscripts that address or characterize human and ecological risks associated with climate change in different regions of the world. HERA also focuses on publishing manuscripts that present or discuss novel approaches to risk-based adaptation and risk mitigation associated with climate change.

HERA will not consider any manuscripts in the following areas: infectious disease (unless it involves chemical stressors), economic risk, business and marketing risk, information technology, cybersecurity, transportation, human trafficking, social conflicts, poverty, and risks associated with outdoor or recreational activities.