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Glite Dictionary
health hazard

health hazard

15 2.8
A thing that can make people sick
  • noun
  • /hɛlθ ˈhæzərd/
translation icon : riesgo para la salud
  • Exposure to moldy environments poses various health hazards for those with respiratory issues.
  • pose a health hazard
  • environmental health hazards
  • serious health hazards

What do we know about the health hazards of vaping per SE?

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Examples

  • Lead-based paint is a serious health hazard to young children.

    Academic text (1995)

  • However, pollution and other environmental concerns might impose greater health hazards in urban environments.

    Academic text (1991)

  • Is this an international health hazard or a military concern?

    Dawn of the Dead (2004)

  • Lead has come to be recognized as a primary public health hazard in the United States.

    Academic text (1998)

  • Furthermore, poverty and survival in these conditions carry unique environmental and health hazards.

    Academic text (2008)

  • Younger athletes are particularly susceptible to the health hazards of ingesting these substances.

    Academic text (1991)

  • If those products are consumed unpasteurized, however, they can present a serious health hazard because of possible contamination with pathogenic bacteria.

    Academic text (2009)

  • In the eyes of many, the Rumpke Sanitary Landfill had become a public health hazard and nuisance.

    Academic text (1997)

  • The factory was closed due to serious health hazards caused by toxic fumes.

  • Improper waste disposal can create significant health hazards for nearby residents.

Synonyms

danger
vshealth hazard
∞ 1.0

A chance that people or things will be harmed

is specific to sources that jeopardize people's physical well-being
hazard
vshealth hazard
154 3.4

Something that can cause harm or danger

is used for sources that threaten people's well-being specifically
health risk
vshealth hazard
27 3.3

Something that can make you ill or harm your body

is a source that threatens people's well-being rather than a general factor
safety concern
vshealth hazard
15 3.1

A matter that may cause harm to people's health or safety

is about causes that lead to illness rather than general welfare issues
serious danger
vshealth hazard
12 2.8

A strong chance that people or property will be harmed

is focused on threats that affect people's bodily well-being rather than all major threats

Antonyms

health benefit
44 2.3

A positive effect on someone's body or mind

How Dangerous

health hazard
15 2.8
health risk
27 3.3

Surface Forms

health hazard singular
health hazards plural

Morphology

health + hazard

The meaning 'something that poses a risk to people's health' is directly and compositionally derived from 'health' (state of being free from illness) + 'hazard' (a source of possible harm). This noun‑noun compound follows a common, productive pattern in English (and parallels exist in many other languages), so a B1 learner who knows both constituents will readily understand it.

Etymology

Health hazard comes from joining health, meaning 'people's health', and hazard, meaning 'a danger'. Imagine a bright warning sign over dirty water or smoke. That picture shows why it means 'something that can harm people's health'.