skadelig

Skadelig is an adjective used in Danish and Norwegian to describe something that causes harm or adverse effects to health, safety, or well-being. It can refer to physical substances, such as chemicals or pollutants, as well as to behaviours, policies, or environmental conditions. In public health, risk assessment, and regulatory contexts, skadelig is used to qualify effects as harmful rather than merely dangerous or risky.

Etymology: The word originates from the noun skade, meaning harm, with the suffix -lig forming adjectives meaning “harmful” or “injurious.” The construction is typical of Germanic languages, and skadelig has broad, general usage in both Danish and Norwegian.

Usage and nuance: Skadelig emphasizes the potential for damage, including long-term or cumulative harm, rather than an immediate threat. It often appears in phrases such as skadelig virkning (harmful effect) or skadelig påvirkning (harmful influence). In everyday speech, it can describe substances, actions, or conditions that are not safe or advisable.

Related terms and contrasts: A closely related word is farlig, which more directly conveys immediate danger. The noun form skade denotes harm or damage, and environmental or public health terminology frequently uses compounds like miljøskade to refer to environmental damage.

See also: farlig, skade, miljøskade, helsemyndigheter, risk communication.