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a human-made (or anthropogenic) hazard is the risk, threat or propensity to disaster caused by human action or inaction. They are distinct to natural hazards, caused by forces beyond human control, cause or influence. Human-made hazards may adversely affect, or be lethal to humans, other organisms, biomes, the built environment and/or ecosystems. The frequency and severity of hazards are key elements in some risk analysis methodologies. Hazards may also be described in relation to the impact that they have. A hazard only exists in the case of a pathway to, or risk of exposure. Anthropogenic hazards can be grouped into societal hazards (criminality, civil disorder, terrorism, war, industrial hazards, engineering hazards, power outage, human-caused fire), and hazards caused by transportation and environmental hazards. |