Which is NOT one of the ways a hazardous material can be harmful?

The correct choice indicates that confusion is not recognized as a direct way a hazardous material can be harmful. In the context of hazardous materials, the primary concerns revolve around physical and chemical properties that can lead to injury or health risks.

Asphyxiation involves the inability to breathe due to the presence of hazardous gases or substances that displace oxygen in the air, representing a significant risk from certain toxic materials. Chemical harm refers to the toxic effects of materials that can cause burns, poisoning, or other bodily harm upon exposure. Thermal harm relates to injuries caused by extreme temperatures, whether from a fire, steam, or other heat sources, which can lead to burns or heat-related illnesses. Each of these categories represents a tangible and immediate threat resulting from hazardous material exposure.

In contrast, while confusion can be a secondary effect of exposure to some hazardous substances (due to factors like hypoxia or toxic brain effects), it does not constitute a direct category of harm in the same way as asphyxiation, chemical harm, or thermal harm do. Therefore, confusion is not classified among the main types of direct harm caused by hazardous materials.