What does toxicology study in relation to hazardous materials?

Toxicology is the branch of science that focuses on studying the effects of substances on living organisms. This field examines how toxic agents, including hazardous materials, interact with biological systems, how they can cause adverse health effects, and the mechanisms involved in those effects. Understanding these interactions is crucial for assessing risks associated with exposure to hazardous materials and for developing safety protocols and treatment methods.

The other options relate to important aspects of hazardous materials but do not capture the specific focus of toxicology. For instance, the economic impact of hazardous substances addresses financial implications rather than health effects. Regulatory standards for chemical handling focus on rules and guidelines for safety practices, rather than the biological impact of chemicals. Finally, the environmental effects of chemical spills concern the impact on ecosystems rather than the direct effects on living organisms. Thus, the study of toxicology is fundamentally about the interactions between substances and living beings.