Glossary
This multilingual glossary provides easy-to-understand definitions for the main scientific terms used on this website in the risk assessment domain. Terms and their definitions are referenced in our communication products as pop-up notes to explain concepts to the public with no specialist knowledge.
Standard English spelling is used throughout. Acronyms are capitalised. Terms are presented in lower case. Entries are translated into all 24 EU official languages.
The glossary is a living document subject to regular updates. Relevant missing terms may be suggested by using the Ask A Question online form.
Disclaimer: Definitions in the glossary are intended solely to help this website's users understand scientific terminology. Definitions may differ from those given in European Union legislation and in the EFSA Journal.
S
- Strains belonging to a microorganism with a QPS status may be entitled to a fast-track safety assessment (evaluation); - Microorganisms not considered suitable for the QPS status remain subject to a full safety assessment (evaluation).
Pertaining to a substance, it is a factor used by risk assessors to derive a reference dose that is considered safe or below which an adverse effect is unlikely to occur. The value of the safety factor depends on the toxic effect, the size and type of the population to be protected and the quality of the (eco)toxicological and exposure data available.
A systematic way of planning the number and type of samples required for an investigation.
Opinions include risk assessments on general scientific issues, evaluations of an application for the authorisation of a product, substance or claim, or an evaluation of a risk assessment.
Evaluation of scientific, academic, or professional work by others working in the same field.
A first step method to establish the presence of a substance in a population for the purposes of estimating risk. Food intake is combined with likely chemical concentration to create an estimate of chemical exposure.
The process whereby, during the course of its regular work, EFSA identifies an issue worthy of further consideration.
A change in soil quality which adversely affects its ability to nourish or support the ecosystem.
The cultivation of plants using a nutrient solution instead of soil; also called hydroponics.
A subdivision of the genus, a species is a group of closely related and similar-looking organisms; for example, in the case of Homo sapiens (humans), the second part of the name (sapiens) represents the species.
A model of the variation in sensitivity of a species to a particular source of harm (e.g. drought, pest invasion or chemical exposure).
The specific goals of an environmental risk assessment in terms of what to protect, where to protect it, over what time period and with what degree of certainty.
Species sensitivity distribution (SSD) is a model of the variation in sensitivity of a species to a particular source of harm (e.g. drought, pest invasion or chemical exposure).
The creation of a genetically modified organism (GMO) with more than one genetic modification. This can be done by (a) cross-breeding two GMOs with each having one or more pre-existing modifications (b) carrying out a second genetic modification in an existing GMO or (c) introducing multiple genes or traits at once.
Specifications aimed at harmonising the collection of samples from Member States for the analysis of harmful or beneficial substances in food, feed and water.
A measure of the likelihood that a result occurred based on statistics.
A scientifically-based process consisting of four steps: hazard identification, hazard characterisation, exposure assessment and risk characterisation.
A subtype of a microbe defined by its genetic make-up; for example, in the case of Escherichia coli O157, the 'O157' part of the name refers to the strain.
A change in conditions, such as a drought, pest or chemical exposure, which often has negative effects on an organism or population.
Parts of organic molecules which are believed to be responsible for adverse effects (e.g. genotoxicity) and can be used to predict the toxicity of similar compounds.
An identifiable subdivision of a population; for example, infants.
A biological, physiological, demographic or behavioural effect on an individual or population that survives exposure to a substance at a lethal (i.e., deadly) or sublethal concentration. Sublethal effects may affect, among others, life span, development, population growth, fertility and behaviour, such as feeding or foraging.
An interaction that multiplies outcomes. The outcome in question may be beneficial or adverse.
Field of science that combines engineering and biology with the aim of developing new biological systems and attributing new features to living cells.
A pesticide which is distributed throughout the target organism (e.g. insect, rodent or weed) without losing efficacy.