Which of the following is a category under which materials can be classified based on their health effects?

Materials can be classified based on their health effects into several categories, one of which is biological hazards. Biological hazards are associated with organisms living within the environment, or are derived from them, which can lead to health risks such as infections or allergies. These include bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other pathogens that can pose a threat to human health through exposure in various settings, including workplaces.

This category is crucial in understanding the potential health impacts when dealing with materials that are biological in nature, especially for those working in healthcare, laboratories, or industries that interact with biological agents. Awareness of biological hazards helps in implementing proper safety measures, ensuring the health and safety of individuals working with or around these materials.

In contrast, the other categories mentioned do not specifically focus on the health impacts from biological agents. Maintenance hazards refer more to risks associated with tasks and upkeep, environmental hazards involve issues affecting the ecosystem and human health indirectly, while psychological hazards revolve around mental well-being and workplace stressors, rather than direct health effects from materials themselves. Thus, the classification under biological hazards stands out as directly connected to health effects from materials.