The risk analysis paradigm assumes that in many cases there is a zero risk of harm.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Sometimes
• D. Never

Answer: (B)

Risk analysis estimates how likely harm is and how severe it would be, and then works to reduce that risk to an acceptable level. It does not assume there is no risk; residual risk often remains due to uncertainties in data, natural variation, and the limits of mitigation. Because risk can rarely be guaranteed to be zero in real-world scenarios, the paradigm treats zero risk as not a default assumption. For example, vaccines lower the probability and severity of disease but do not guarantee zero infection, and safety controls in workplaces reduce risk without eliminating it entirely. Therefore, the statement is not correct.