Risk

The likelihood and potential severity of harm resulting from exposure to a hazard under particular circumstances.

Risk depends on more than whether a hazard exists. It is influenced by factors such as the amount and route of exposure, duration, frequency, and characteristics of the substance or agent involved.

This is why the presence of a hazardous chemical does not automatically mean that a product presents a significant health risk. Hazard and risk are related but are not interchangeable concepts.

QUICK FACT

Hazard asks “Can it cause harm?”; risk asks “How likely and how serious is the harm under these conditions?”

SEE ALSO

Clinical & Educational Context

Discussed in Health Articles & Guides

Explore how "Risk" is covered across our evidence-based editorial guides:

6 Articles
Unstraight Lines

Kill Me a Little, Kill It More

From medicines that fight infections to chemicals used to control harmful organisms, the reflection considers the delicate balance between destroying a threat and protecting...
Health in the Wild

Food Packaging: Unexpected Food Safety Risks you need to know

Risk depends on what substance migrates, how much reaches the food, how often a person is exposed, and the substance's toxicity.
Medicine without Jargon

The Best Birthing Position: What Current Evidence Says

Current evidence suggests that it may be safe for carefully selected low-risk pregnancies when conducted in facilities with trained staff and appropriate emergency support.
The Hard Parts of Medicine

Do You Need Supplements? What Medical Research Says

Some deficiencies develop without obvious symptoms, and certain people have increased nutritional needs or risk factors that make supplementation appropriate.
The Hard Parts of Medicine

Polypharmacy: What Really Happens When You Take Multiple Medicines

Taking several medicines can be appropriate and even lifesaving, but it can also increase the risk of side effects, harmful interactions, and medication errors.
Cases & Narratives

His Last Malaria: A Case of Suspected Fake Medicines

These categories can overlap in practical risk but are not interchangeable.