PMLS Health Care Waste Management Practice Test

The symbol for poison or toxic substances is commonly referred to as the toxic symbol. This symbol is specifically designed to indicate that a substance poses a risk due to toxicity, signifying that it can cause harm or adverse health effects if ingested, inhaled, or come into contact with skin. It is an essential part of hazard communication, ensuring that individuals can quickly recognize the dangers associated with handling or being in proximity to hazardous materials.

In contrast, other symbols, such as the hazard symbol or biohazard symbol, denote different types of risks. The hazard symbol can refer to various hazards, not specifically toxicity, while the biohazard symbol is used to indicate materials that are biological or infectious, posing a risk to health due to their potential to transmit diseases. The warning symbol typically serves as a general alert but does not specifically indicate toxic hazards. Therefore, the toxic symbol is the most accurate choice for identifying poison or toxic substances.