What does a generic term for health hazards usually include?

The choice identifying substances harmful to health, including irritants and sensitizers, accurately reflects the broad range of health hazards covered in a generic term. Health hazards encompass any agents that can pose risks to health, which includes not only corrosive or toxic materials but also substances that may cause irritation or sensitization upon exposure.

Irritants can lead to inflammation or discomfort in tissues, while sensitizers can cause allergic reactions after initial exposure, leading to more serious health issues upon subsequent contact. This understanding is crucial for implementing proper safety measures and protocols to protect individuals in various environments, especially those related to health safety.

In contrast, other choices either narrow the scope of health hazards too much—such as focusing exclusively on physical and chemical hazards or flammability—or inaccurately describe them, such as suggesting that non-harmful substances indicate no risk. In reality, health hazards can arise from a wide variety of sources and not all substances that are deemed non-harmful are free from risk. Therefore, the chosen answer effectively encompasses the essential elements of health hazards as recognized in both workplace safety and health regulations.