What are cumulative health risks?
Cumulative health risks refer to the gradual build-up of potential harm to an individual's health over time. These risks are often associated with long-term exposure to various factors or behaviors and can create more significant health consequences when combined than when experienced individually. Cumulative health risks can manifest as a result of repeated exposure to environmental pollutants, chronic stress, unhealthy lifestyle habits like smoking or unhealthy diet, or occupational hazards, among other factors.
This concept highlights the notion that certain risks may not have an immediate impact on health but can accumulate and lead to significant health problems over time. It emphasizes the importance of considering the long-term effects of certain behaviors or exposures and underscores the need for preventative measures and early interventions to mitigate these risks.