What is the Difference Between Hazard and Outrage?

The difference between hazard and outrage lies in their definitions and the way they influence people's perception of risk.

• Hazard: A hazard refers to the inherent danger or potential for harm associated with a specific event or situation. It is determined by the magnitude of the problem and the probability of its occurrence.
• Outrage: Outrage is the public's emotional reaction or concern towards a hazard that is perceived as a danger to their lives. Outrage represents the anger, frustration, and fear that people experience when confronted with a hazard.

According to risk communication expert Dr. Peter Sandman, risk is a combination of hazard and outrage: Risk = Hazard + Outrage. He suggests that when outrage is high, people tend to perceive the hazard as high, whether it is or not. Conversely, when outrage is low, people perceive the hazard as low too. This strong causal link between outrage and the perception of hazard creates a dual task for risk managers: they have to manage hazards and outrage.

In summary, hazard refers to the actual danger or potential for harm, while outrage represents the public's emotional reaction to that hazard. Both factors influence how people perceive and respond to risks.

Comparative Table: Hazard vs Outrage

The difference between hazard and outrage can be understood through the formula "Risk = Hazard + Outrage". Here is a table summarizing the differences:

In summary, hazard refers to the actual danger or potential harm associated with a situation or substance, while outrage refers to the negative emotions and reactions that people may have about the situation or substance. Both hazard and outrage contribute to the overall risk, and managing both aspects is crucial for effective risk communication and crisis management.