What is a key characteristic of a "toxic" substance?

A key characteristic of a "toxic" substance is that it can cause harm to human health or the environment, even in small amounts. Toxic substances have the potential to produce adverse effects with minimal exposure, highlighting the importance of recognizing and managing these materials carefully in various settings such as workplaces, laboratories, and in the environment.

The capacity to cause harm, irrespective of the quantity, differentiates toxic substances from others that may require higher exposure levels to result in negative effects. Understanding this characteristic is crucial for implementing safety measures and ensuring proper handling and disposal of such substances to protect individuals and ecosystems.

While strong odors can sometimes indicate toxicity, this is not universally reliable, as some toxic substances are odorless. Additionally, the presence of toxic substances in food products does not define their toxicity. Finally, while warning labels are often present on toxic materials, not all toxic substances have mandatory labeling requirements, and the absence of a warning label does not negate a substance's potential to be toxic.