Terviserisk

Terviserisk, or health risk, refers to the potential that exposure to hazards could cause adverse effects on human health. These hazards can be chemical, biological, physical, ergonomic, or related to lifestyle and environmental conditions. Health risk is assessed at the level of individuals or populations, and it encompasses both the likelihood of exposure and the severity of possible health outcomes.

Risk assessment typically involves several steps: hazard identification (what could cause harm), exposure assessment (how and how much people are exposed), dose–response or severity assessment (how the effect relates to the level of exposure), and risk characterization (an overall estimate of risk, including uncertainties). Risks can be categorized as acute (short-term effects) or chronic (long-term effects) and may affect single individuals or large groups. Data sources include toxicology, epidemiology, environmental monitoring, and surveillance systems. Assessments may be qualitative, semi-quantitative, or quantitative, depending on available data and the context.

Management of terviserisk aims to reduce exposure and thereby lower health risks. Strategies include substitution of safer substances, engineering controls, administrative measures, and personal protective equipment. Risk communication is an integral part, ensuring that stakeholders understand the nature of the risk and the rationale for chosen controls. Regulation and policy play a key role in setting exposure limits, monitoring compliance, and updating guidance as new evidence emerges.

Common domains where terviserisk is addressed include environmental health, occupational safety, food safety, and consumer products. Limitations in risk assessment arise from data gaps, uncertainties in dose–response relationships, and variability in susceptibility among individuals.