Which term indicates the severity of hazardous chemicals?

The term that indicates the severity of hazardous chemicals is the GHS signal word. This terminology comes from the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS), which provides a standard means for communicating hazards associated with chemicals. The signal words used in this system, such as "Danger" and "Warning," clearly convey the severity of the hazards presented by the chemical. "Danger" is used for more severe hazards, while "Warning" is employed for less severe hazards. This straightforward method allows individuals to quickly understand the level of risk associated with a chemical, which is vital in safety and infection control practices.

The other terms listed do not specifically indicate severity in the same direct manner. The hazard category assigns a classification to a chemical based on its specific hazards, but it’s the GHS signal word that communicates the urgency of those hazards. Safety data phrases provide detailed safety information but do not summarize severity in a concise format. Cautionary labels may inform users about safety measures, but they do not reflect the severity level as explicitly as signal words do.