What are "sensitive populations" concerning risk assessment?

Sensitive populations refer to groups that exhibit increased vulnerability to risks due to various factors, including age, health status, and socioeconomic conditions. This concept is critical in risk assessment because it recognizes that not all individuals respond to risks in the same way; certain groups may experience more severe effects from environmental hazards or health risks.

For instance, children and the elderly are often highlighted as sensitive populations, as their physiological traits may make them more susceptible to the impacts of pollutants or diseases. Similarly, individuals with preexisting health conditions, such as respiratory diseases, may be at a higher risk when exposed to environmental hazards like air pollution. Socioeconomic factors, such as limited access to healthcare or living in a degraded environment, further compound these vulnerabilities, making it crucial for risk assessors to consider the unique needs and conditions of sensitive populations when conducting evaluations and developing interventions.

The other options do not accurately represent the nature of sensitive populations. Some suggest that certain groups are completely resistant to risks or immune to environmental hazards, which is not realistic in the context of public health and environmental assessments. Moreover, the assertion that populations are only affected by economic risks fails to acknowledge the broader array of environmental, social, and health-related risks that can impact certain groups unevenly. Understanding the characteristics