Hazard and risk often get confused. A hazard is any source of potential damage, harm or adverse health effects on someone. In the case of a chemical, the toxicity of the chemical is the hazard, it cannot be changed as it is a constant characteristic. Risk is the probability or likelihood that a person will be harmed or experience an adverse health effect. If a chemical is the hazard, then the risk is the likelihood that it will cause poisoning or illness. Risk is a variable feature and can be controlled and minimized.