Hazard communication and risk communication serve different purposes in toxicology. Which statement correctly describes their difference?

• A. Hazard communicates exposure probability; risk communicates properties
• B. Hazard communication conveys the inherent properties of a substance; risk communication conveys the probability of harm given actual exposure
• C. Hazard communicates consumer preferences; risk communicates regulatory requirements
• D. Hazard communicates technical details after exposure; risk communicates after death

Answer: (B)

Hazard refers to the inherent potential of a substance to cause harm, independent of how it is used or how much people are exposed. Risk combines that potential with the likelihood and extent of actual exposure, so it reflects the probability of harm under real-world conditions. Therefore, describing hazard communication as conveying the inherent properties of a substance and risk communication as conveying the probability of harm given actual exposure accurately captures their distinct roles. The other statements mix up these ideas or introduce unrelated concepts like consumer preferences, regulatory requirements, or timing after exposure, which don’t define the difference between hazard and risk.