Which term best describes a harmful substance that poses risks to health, property, or the environment?

The term that best describes a harmful substance posing risks to health, property, or the environment is "hazardous material." Hazardous materials encompass a wide range of substances that can potentially cause harm due to their chemical properties, which may be toxic, flammable, reactive, or corrosive. These materials can be found in various forms, such as chemicals used in industries, household products, and even biological agents.

In this context, hazardous materials are regulated under specific laws and guidelines to ensure that they are handled safely. Understanding this classification is crucial for professionals who may come into contact with such substances in their duties, as it informs risk assessment and safety protocols.

The other terms do not adequately capture the essence of the risks associated with harmful substances. Non-toxic substances refer to materials that are generally recognized as safe and do not pose significant health risks, while safe material implies that there is no danger associated with it. A corrosive agent specifically describes substances that can cause destruction of living tissue or severe corrosion of material, which does not encompass all harmful substances.