How are hazardous materials classified under the Globally Harmonized System (GHS)?

Under the Globally Harmonized System (GHS), hazardous materials are classified based on their physical, health, and environmental hazards. This comprehensive approach allows for a uniform framework that categorizes substances in a way that takes into consideration their potential risks and the types of harm they can cause.

Physical hazards may include properties such as flammability, reactivity, or explosiveness. Health hazards cover a range of issues, including toxicity, carcinogenicity, or respiratory sensitization. Environmental hazards pertain to the effects substances may have on ecosystems, such as acute and chronic aquatic toxicity.

This classification system is essential for ensuring that workers and consumers understand the risks associated with different materials, facilitating safer handling and usage. By providing a clear and structured method for identifying hazards, GHS promotes better safety practices and compliance across borders, enhancing communication about risks on an international scale.

The other options do not capture the essence of the GHS classification system, as they focus on aspects unrelated to the inherent hazards posed by the materials themselves.