Which classification applies to a chemical that poses significant health risks to exposed individuals?

A chemical classified as a health hazard is one that can cause significant health risks to individuals who are exposed to it. This classification takes into account various potential effects on human health, such as toxicity, corrosiveness, irritancy, and carcinogenicity, among others. Health hazards are associated with adverse effects that can result from inhalation, skin contact, or ingestion, making it crucial for laboratory personnel to recognize and manage these risks to ensure safety.

The other classifications—environmental hazard, physical hazard, and fire hazard—focus on different aspects of safety. Environmental hazards refer to chemicals that can adversely affect the environment, such as aquatic toxicity. Physical hazards relate to the physical properties of a substance that may pose risks, like flammability or reactivity. Fire hazards specifically concern the potential for ignition and combustion, highlighting a different concern altogether. Understanding these distinctions helps ensure that appropriate safety measures are implemented for different types of dangers in the laboratory setting.