What is the term for a condition, substance, or device that directly causes injury or damage?

• A. Risk
• B. Threat
• C. Hazard
• D. Exposure

Answer: (C)

Hazard is the term for a condition, substance, or device with the potential to cause injury or damage. This is the best answer because it identifies the source of danger itself—the thing that could cause harm. Risk describes how likely and how severe the harm would be if someone were exposed to the hazard; exposure means being subjected to it; threat is more about a potential source of harm, often an external factor. For example, a leaking gas line is a hazard because it can cause harm; the risk depends on ignition likelihood and amount present, and exposure is the actual proximity or contact with the gas.