What type of pollutants can cause health and safety problems for workers due to toxic gases, vapors, or fumes?

The designation of hazardous waste as the correct answer reflects the significant health and safety risks that such materials pose to workers. Hazardous waste includes substances that can be toxic, reactive, ignitable, or corrosive, placing individuals who handle or work near these materials at risk of exposure to dangerous gases, vapors, or fumes. These exposures can lead to severe health issues, including respiratory problems, skin irritation, and long-term systemic effects.

Understanding the nature of hazardous waste is crucial for ensuring workplace safety. Regulations governing hazardous waste management are designed to minimize exposure and require proper handling, storage, and disposal methods to protect the health and safety of workers and the environment.

In contrast, conventional pollutants generally refer to common contaminants that may not have the same immediate toxic properties as hazardous waste. Radioactive pollutants involve specific radioactive materials which, while dangerous, are not as prevalent in many work environments as hazardous waste. Non-toxic biological waste does not pose the same level of risk to health and safety, as it is typically comprised of organic materials that do not release harmful gases, vapors, or fumes when dealt with properly.