danger

Danger refers to the possibility of harm, injury, or adverse outcome. It denotes a condition or situation in which there is a credible threat to physical, psychological, or systemic integrity.

In scientific, clinical, and risk analysis contexts, “danger” is distinguished from “risk” and “hazard”:

  • Hazard: a potential source of harm (e.g. radiation, pathogen).
  • Danger: the immediate potential for harm due to the presence or proximity of a hazard.
  • Risk: the probability and severity of harm occurring from that danger.
  • “The patient is in danger of respiratory failure.”
  • “Delayed evacuation of an epidural hematoma poses immediate danger to life.”
  • “The drug was withdrawn due to the danger of fatal arrhythmias.”
  • Often time-sensitive: danger implies imminent or escalating threat.
  • Can be context-dependent: what is dangerous in one situation may be tolerated in another.
  • Requires judgment and action: identification of danger often prompts urgent intervention.
Term Definition
Hazard A potential source of harm, but not necessarily active.
Danger An active or imminent threat that may cause immediate harm.
Risk A measure that combines likelihood and impact of an adverse event.

Danger is not merely theoretical—it implies a real and pressing threat requiring awareness and potentially immediate response. In clinical settings, recognizing danger can mean the difference between proactive care and avoidable harm.

  • danger.txt
  • Last modified: 2025/07/10 14:01
  • by administrador