What is included in the definition of biohazardous materials?

The definition of biohazardous materials encompasses a wide range of substances that can pose a risk to human health or the environment due to their potential to transmit infectious diseases. This includes any potentially infectious substances, which may include human blood, bodily fluids, and other materials that may contain pathogens.

Choosing this option is appropriate because it recognizes the comprehensive nature of biohazardous materials, reflecting the various forms they can take and the potential risk they present in various settings such as healthcare, waste management, and restoration services. The inclusion of "any potentially infectious substances" also ensures a broader understanding of what can be deemed hazardous, which is crucial for proper safety protocols and handling procedures in professional contexts.

In contrast, limiting the definition to only human blood would ignore other hazardous materials that can also present significant risks, such as certain bodily fluids or any materials that could be contaminated. Food waste and plant material, while they might have their own risks in other contexts, do not fall under the traditional definition of biohazardous materials as they are not classified as potentially infectious in the same way infectious human materials are. This understanding helps maintain safety and compliance with health regulations when managing hazardous materials.