What is a substance that can cause injury or death due to its explosive, flammable, or harmful nature called?

The term that appropriately describes a substance that can cause injury or death due to its explosive, flammable, or harmful nature is a Hazardous Substance. This is because "hazardous substance" is used broadly in environmental and safety regulations to encompass any material that poses a threat to health, safety, property, or the environment due to its physical or chemical properties.

In the context of construction, a hazardous substance might include chemicals used in building materials or certain waste products that can pose serious risks if not managed correctly. This encompasses a wide range of substances, including those that are toxic, corrosive, or explosive.

While other options like hazardous material, dangerous goods, and toxic waste are related concepts, they do not specifically highlight the broad definition that "hazardous substance" encompasses. "Hazardous material," for instance, is often used interchangeably but can sometimes refer more specifically to materials rather than the substance itself. "Dangerous goods" typically refer to transport regulations for substances that can cause harm, and "toxic waste" specifically implies waste products that are hazardous, limiting the term's applicability. Therefore, Hazardous Substance is the most accurate term for capturing the essence of the question.