Top 10 Commonly Confused Words in Industrial Hygiene

Top 10 Commonly Confused Words in Industrial Hygiene 1. Exposure vs. Dose The terms 'exposure' and 'dose' are often used interchangeably, but they have distinct meanings. 'Exposure' refers to the contact between a person and a hazardous agent, such as a chemical or a biological substance. On the other hand, 'dose' quantifies the amount of that agent that enters the body. In simple terms, exposure is the potential, while dose is the actual intake. Understanding this difference is crucial for assessing risks and implementing appropriate control measures. 2. Hazard vs. Risk While 'hazard' and 'risk' are related, they represent different aspects. A 'hazard' refers to the inherent potential of something to cause harm. For example, a chemical with high toxicity is considered a hazard. 'Risk,' on the other hand, takes into account the likelihood of harm occurring. It considers factors such as exposure duration and control measures in place. In summary, a hazard is the potential, while risk is the probability of that potential turning into an actual harm. 3. Sensitivity vs. Specificity