What is the term used to describe the risk associated with biological materials?

The term "biorisk" refers to the potential risks posed by biological materials, particularly in terms of their effects on human health and the environment. This encompasses various aspects, such as exposure to pathogens, the potential for disease transmission, and the handling of biological samples in laboratory or clinical settings. Understanding and managing biorisks is crucial in fields such as biotechnology and public health, ensuring safe practices when dealing with organisms or their products that can be potentially harmful.

While "biohazard" describes the biological substances that pose a threat to health, it does not encompass the broader risks associated with their use and management, which is where the concept of biorisk becomes more pertinent. "Pathogen" refers specifically to microorganisms that can cause disease, and "contamination" is a more general term that can apply to any unwanted introduction of substances, not just biological ones. Therefore, biorisk is the term that best encapsulates the comprehensive nature of risks associated with biological materials.