Environmental hazards

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Environmental hazards

Environmental hazards (/ɪnˌvaɪrənˈmɛntəl ˈhæzərdz/) are potential sources of danger that are present in the environment and can cause harm to living organisms. These hazards can be natural, such as earthquakes and floods, or man-made, such as pollution and nuclear accidents.

Etymology

The term "environmental hazards" is derived from the words "environment", which comes from the French environ meaning "around", and "hazard", which comes from the Arabic az-zahr meaning "chance or luck". In this context, it refers to potential dangers that exist in the surroundings.

Types of Environmental Hazards

There are several types of environmental hazards, including:

  • Biological hazards: These are hazards that come from living organisms, such as bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens. They can cause diseases in humans and other animals.
  • Chemical hazards: These are hazards that come from harmful chemicals in the environment. They can cause health problems such as poisoning, cancer, and birth defects.
  • Physical hazards: These are hazards that come from natural disasters or extreme weather conditions. They can cause injury or death.
  • Psychosocial hazards: These are hazards that come from social and psychological factors in the environment. They can cause stress, anxiety, and other mental health problems.

Related Terms

  • Risk assessment: The process of evaluating the potential risks that may be involved in a projected activity or undertaking.
  • Hazard mitigation: The effort to reduce loss of life and property by lessening the impact of disasters.
  • Environmental health: The branch of public health that focuses on the relationships between people and their environment.

External links

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