How is "toxic" defined in relation to hazardous materials?

The term "toxic" in the context of hazardous materials specifically refers to substances that can cause harm or death as a result of chemical interactions within biological systems. These interactions highlight that toxic materials affect living organisms adversely, often leading to detrimental health effects when exposure occurs, whether through ingestion, inhalation, or dermal contact.

This definition encompasses the broad range of chemicals that, depending on their concentration and exposure route, can result in acute or chronic health issues. Such effects can include respiratory problems, neurological damage, or even mortality, reinforcing the importance of handling toxic substances with utmost care.

Other choices relate to different aspects of hazards but do not capture the essence of toxicity. While physical damage and contamination of water supplies are significant concerns, they do not specifically address the chemical nature and the biological impact of toxic materials. Additionally, the potential for explosions pertains to different types of hazards, mainly those linked with reactive or flammable substances, rather than their toxicological properties.