Any organism, chemical, condition, or circumstance that may cause injury or illness. With respect to chemicals, a substance is considered a health hazard if at least one study, conducted in accordance with established scientific principles, documents that acute or chronic effects may occur in connection with use of or exposure to that chemical.
These are environmental factors that have been identified as causing or suspected of causing diseases. The major types of health hazards include various infectious diseases transmitted through contact, insects, or other animals; issues related to an inadequate supply or contamination of food and water; work-related hazards; hazards associated with domestic and social life; risks linked to smoking and alcohol consumption; and global environmental hazards.