What is the environmental impact assessment associated with hazardous chemicals primarily concerned with?

The primary concern of environmental impact assessments related to hazardous chemicals focuses on ecological consequences. This type of assessment aims to evaluate how hazardous substances may affect ecosystems, including flora and fauna. It seeks to understand the potential risks and damage that the release of these chemicals could cause to natural habitats, biodiversity, and ecological processes.

Assessing ecological consequences is critical because hazardous chemicals can have profound detrimental effects on ecosystems, leading to habitat degradation, loss of biodiversity, and long-term environmental changes. By understanding these impacts, regulatory bodies can implement measures to mitigate harm and protect the environment, ensuring a sustainable balance between human activities and ecological health. This focus ultimately supports the protection of ecosystems that are vital for maintaining the planet's overall environmental integrity.