Low environmental temperatures or cryogenic materials are considered a type of ____________ hazard.

• A. Chemical
• B. Physical
• C. Thermal
• D. Biological

Answer: (C)

Extreme temperatures are a thermal hazard. Low environmental temperatures and cryogenic materials pose danger because of heat transfer: exposed skin or tissues lose heat rapidly, leading to cold burns or frostbite, and materials can suffer thermal stress. This type of hazard centers on temperature effects, not chemical reactivity, biological agents, or other physical energy forms, so it’s classified as a thermal hazard.