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

The term that best describes the risk associated with biological materials is "biorisk." Biorisk encompasses the potential negative impacts that biological agents—such as bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens—pose to human health, the environment, or the economy. It refers to the assessment and management of risks related to biological substances, especially in contexts like laboratories, healthcare, and biotechnology.

While the term "biohazard" is related and often used to describe materials or conditions that can jeopardize health and safety, it specifically refers to the potential harm posed by biological substances rather than the broader spectrum of risks associated with handling those materials. "Biosafety" focuses on practices, procedures, and equipment designed to minimize those risks, serving as a protective measure rather than the risk itself. "Biotech" refers to biotechnology, which encompasses the use of biological systems in technology and does not inherently address the risks tied to biological materials. Thus, "biorisk" is the most appropriate term to capture the concept of risk associated with biological materials.