Altistamisen

Altistamisen is a Finnish term that refers to the act of exposing a person, object, or system to a factor, condition, or stimulus. In general use it covers physical, chemical, biological, or environmental exposures and is applied across fields such as occupational safety, environmental science, and public health. The term emphasizes the occurrence and potential effects of exposure rather than its management.

In occupational health and environmental health, altistaminen describes exposure to hazardous substances, radiation, noise, pathogens, or physical conditions. Assessments consider the route of exposure (inhalation, ingestion, dermal contact), duration, intensity, and frequency, and they inform risk assessment and control strategies. Control measures follow the hierarchy of controls, including elimination, engineering controls, administrative policies, and personal protective equipment, along with monitoring and medical surveillance where appropriate.

In psychology and clinical practice, altistaminen is associated with exposure-based therapies. These approaches involve structured, repeated contact with feared stimuli or internal sensations to reduce avoidance and anxiety. Methods include real-world exposure, imagined exposure, and interoceptive exposure, used for phobias, obsessive-compulsive disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorder, among others.

Regulatory and ethical considerations for altistaminen emphasize informed consent, risk communication, and minimization of harm. Accurate exposure assessment supports both prevention and treatment, while ongoing monitoring helps evaluate effectiveness and safety.

See also: exposure, exposure therapy, risk assessment, hazard and risk.