Use an example to explain cumulative risks
Let's consider an example of a person who works in a factory that produces chemicals. This person is exposed to different hazardous chemicals on a daily basis. Each individual exposure to these chemicals carries a certain risk of causing health issues such as respiratory problems, skin irritation, or even long-term diseases like cancer.
On a single day, the person may experience a low level of exposure to a particular chemical. The risk associated with this exposure might not be significant and may not cause immediate harm. However, these risks can accumulate over time if the person continues to be exposed to the chemical on a regular basis.
If the person continues working in the factory for years, being exposed to various chemicals day after day, the cumulative risks start to play a role. The effects of each exposure add up, and the chances of developing health issues increase. For instance, the individual may experience respiratory problems due to constant exposure to different chemicals, even though each individual exposure may not have been strong enough to cause immediate harm on its own.
Therefore, cumulative risks refer to the increased likelihood of suffering harm or health effects when repeatedly exposed to hazards, even if each individual exposure is relatively small or not immediately harmful. It highlights the importance of considering the long-term consequences of ongoing exposure to certain risks.