ICF International's scientific and risk assessment services address risks to human health and the environment from exposure to hazardous or toxic substances. Our services are broad enough to address these risks throughout their life cycle, from the emission and dispersion of hazardous substances in the environment, through human exposure, to the mitigation of the risks and the protection of human health and the environment. At each stage, ICF International specializes in certain scientific methodologies and in certain applications. The four specialties below are illustrated with projects indicating the extent and focus of our experience.

Air Toxics Risk Assessment Environmental Risk Assessment Health Science Services International Environmental Services REACH Services

Environmental and Human Health Risk Assessment—For more than 20 years, ICF International has been a leader in environmental and human health risk assessment and in the related fields of toxicology, exposure modeling, and fate and transport modeling. We are noted for developing the Multistage Model for cancer risk assessment and the Benchmark Dose Model for non-cancer risk assessment. Additionally, we have developed novel techniques for physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) modeling.

Air Quality Assessment—ICF International has long been at the forefront of the development and application of computer models to simulate the effects on air quality of emissions of atmospheric contaminants from transportation and industrial sources. The Urban Airshed Model, which we developed over 20 years and continue to upgrade, is the most widely used photochemical air-quality model in the world today. Transportation planners use our modeling and analyses to ascertain the environmental consequences of different transportation schemes. Nearly all the major oil companies and motor vehicle manufacturers have engaged us to evaluate alternative and reformulated fuels. Utilities rely on our air quality assessment services for assistance in keeping their generating facilities in compliance cost-effectively with air quality regulations.

Environmental Impact Assessment—Drawing upon the full range of environmental science and engineering disciplines, we assess the potential impacts on human health, welfare, and the environment of major construction projects. These assessments are usually required by environmental agencies, and international financing institutions before construction starts on any major project (a highway, a pipeline, a resource extraction facility). ICF International recommends measures that can mitigate potential impacts and safeguard human health and the environment.

Risk Management Programs—Facilities that produce, store, or use hazardous chemicals are increasingly instituting risk management programs to prevent serious releases of those chemicals and respond to accidental releases. Risk management programs are required of certain U.S. facilities by regulations under the Clean Air Act. ICF International works with state and local government agencies to help set up risk management programs for regulated facilities. We model and analyze the consequences of possible accidents for planning purposes, and we provide technical assistance and outreach to regulated facilities.