Heilsufarsvanda
Heilsufarsvanda is an Icelandic term used in public health to denote a factor, condition, or situation that poses a risk to human health. It covers a broad range of potential hazards, including environmental pollutants, pathogens, occupational exposures, contaminated food and water, and behavioral or social factors that can affect health outcomes in individuals or populations. In health policy and risk communication, the concept is commonly translated as “health hazard” or “health risk,” with the exact emphasis varying by context.
The word is a compound built from elements referring to health and danger or harm, and it
Assessment and management of heilsufarsvanda involve several steps. Hazard identification cataras the potential sources of harm;
In practice, the concept underpins risk-based approaches to environmental health, workplace safety, and disease prevention. See