Loading…
Loading…
GCSE Chemistry · key term
The possibility that something will cause harm, considered alongside how serious that harm could be.
Used by AQA, Edexcel and OCR
Specification 4.2.4.2, 4.9.2.3 · Paper 1, Paper 2
Revise: Applications of NanoparticlesNanoparticles have possible health and environmental risks. Very small particles may enter the body if they are breathed in or swallowed. Once inside, they may reach or interact with cells differently from larger particles, and some materials could be toxic.
The chance that harm will occur, considered alongside how severe that harm would be.
Specification 0.6, 9.37C · Paper 1, Paper 2
The likelihood that a hazard will cause harm, considered together with how severe that harm could be.
Revise: Risk Evaluation and PrecautionsRisk assessment does not mean avoiding every practical containing a hazard. It means recognising what could go wrong and reducing the risk to the lowest practicable level while still achieving the purpose of the experiment. The precautions must be appropriate to the particular substances, quantities, equipment, method and people involved.
The possibility that something will cause harm, taking account of both the potential harm and exposure to it.
Specification C2.3j · Paper 1 (Foundation), Paper 3 (Higher)
The possibility of harm, taking account of both what a material might do and whether people or the environment are exposed to it.
Revise: Risks of NanoparticlesA useful property can therefore bring a possible risk too: a nanoparticle may interact with its surroundings in ways that larger particles do not.
Paper 1 (Foundation), Paper 2 (Foundation), Paper 3 (Higher), Paper 4 (Higher)
The likelihood that harm will occur, considered together with how serious that harm could be.
Revise: Risks of nanoparticlesRisk concerns how likely that harm is to occur and how serious it could be. Exposure therefore matters: a potentially harmful particle cannot affect a person or the environment unless contact occurs.
The chance that a hazard will cause harm, considered together with how serious that harm could be.
The possibility that an accident or harmful effect will occur.
The possibility that an accident, harm or other unwanted outcome will occur.
Do not state that all nanoparticles are dangerous. Explain a possible route to harm and recognise that risk depends on the material, amount and exposure.
When discussing risk, consider both how likely an effect is and how serious its consequences could be. Also explain that risk varies between places and populations.
Use cautious scientific language such as “may”, “can increase the risk” and “is projected to”. A potential effect is not guaranteed to occur equally everywhere.
Create a free account to read GCSE Chemistry revision notes for your exam board and track your progress.