Final answer:
When conducting a COSHH assessment for health risks related to hazardous substances, important factors include the number of people exposed, the type of environmental health risks, and the calculation of relative risk to understand the increased likelihood of adverse health outcomes in exposed populations.
Step-by-step explanation:
When conducting a COSHH assessment, which is essential for managing workplace health risks associated with hazardous substances, one important factor to consider is the number of people exposed to the substance. This is pivotal in calculating the incidence of exposure and understanding environmental health risks. High numbers of individuals exposed might increase the risk difference, highlighting the public health impact and the potential for widespread adverse effects if the hazard is not controlled effectively.
Environmental health risks can be categorized into traditional hazards predominantly affecting developing countries, and modern hazards arising from industrial development with impacts on air quality and exposure to chemicals. Both sets of hazards contribute to the disease burden, with certain populations facing a 'double burden'. The frequency of health-related events and the exposure to risk factors like poor air quality need to be measured in both developed and developing countries to assess and mitigate risks effectively.
The relative risk, measuring if an association exists between exposure and health outcomes, is also relevant. If the calculated value exceeds one, it indicates an increased risk for the exposed group. For instance, if exposure to a chemical is linked to respiratory problems, and the exposed group's incidence is higher than that of the non-exposed group, strategies must be employed to mitigate this risk.