Torrent is simply a file transmission technology. Like a gun it is not evil....but in the hands of the unwary it can be dangerous.
All one needs to do is be cautious.
1.) Use a well-known torrent client (Transmission is fine).
2.) Virus scan anything you download (perferably with more than one AV program....use the free versions of Malwarebytes AntiMalware or Spybot Search & Destroy in addition to your primary AV program). Make sure when you perform the scan the AV client has been updated with the latest virus signatures.
3.) Only leave the client on when you are downloading and make sure you are monitoring the client while it's doing so. Shut the client down when you are done with the download. Yes, it's bad manners from a "torrent community" perspective, but it's a smart system security practice.
4.) Don't use TOR or other obfuscation software. Lots of people look at me funny when I say this...but to be blunt, using this software is like shooting a flare up to anyone who might be monitoring the traffic i.e. "You don't know what I'm doing or my final destination....but you DO know I'm trying to hide what I am doing and where I am going!". Where there is smoke.....there is usually a fire, yes?
5.) Use common sense before you download anything. Music and movies are not (typically) free. The fact someone has posted a torrent for the latest Summer hit doesn't mean its legal to download it....and you might be looking at a big fine and/or jail time if you do so. There are legitimate things distributed via torrents....it's best to stick to downloading them (e.g. I use it to download Linux distro ISO images).
Are the above steps a bit paranoid? Absolutely. But if you assume anything you do on the Internet is untraceable and/or not monitored at one point you are being foolish.
Hope that helps...