What do attributable risks measure?

Attributable risks measure the proportion of disease risk that can be attributed to a specific factor. This concept is fundamental in epidemiology as it helps to quantify the impact of a particular exposure on the incidence of disease within a population. By calculating the attributable risk, researchers can assess how much of the disease burden could potentially be prevented if the risk factor were eliminated or reduced. This measurement is particularly useful for public health interventions and informing policy decisions, as it highlights the significance of specific risk factors in contributing to the overall incidence of disease. Therefore, option B effectively captures the essence of what attributable risks quantify in epidemiological studies.