What characterizes a toxic chemical as a health hazard?

A toxic chemical is characterized as a health hazard primarily due to its potential to cause health risks upon exposure. This means that the chemical can have adverse effects on human health, which can manifest in various ways, such as through inhalation, skin contact, or ingestion. Health hazards can include acute effects, such as poisoning or burns, and chronic effects, such as long-term diseases or conditions resulting from prolonged or repeated exposure.

When assessing hazardous substances, the focus is on how these chemicals can impact the health of workers or the surrounding environment rather than their physical or chemical properties alone. This understanding is crucial in industries dealing with toxic substances, as it influences safety protocols, emergency response planning, and risk assessments.

Other options discuss attributes of chemicals that may not directly relate to health impacts. For instance, combustibility relates to fire hazards, while physical state and decomposition are more relevant to chemical behavior rather than direct health risks from exposure. Thus, identifying a toxic chemical as a health hazard hinges on recognizing its capacity to harm human health upon contact or exposure.