What type of agents can cause disease in humans, plants, and animals, including non-lethal agents?

The correct response is centered around biological agents and toxins, as these include a variety of microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and the toxins they produce, which can indeed lead to diseases in humans, plants, and animals. Biological agents are distinct because they can exist in both lethal and non-lethal forms, meaning they can cause illness without necessarily resulting in death. This characteristic highlights their potential for widespread impact in a variety of populations, making them a significant concern in HAZMAT situations.

In contrast, while chemical agents can also cause harm, they typically do so through toxicological effects rather than through infectious processes. Radioactive materials pose different risks related to radiation exposure, which do not categorize them as agents causing diseases per se, but rather physical harm through radiation. Physical agents generally refer to non-living factors that cause injury or harm, such as temperature extremes or physical forces, rather than disease caused by pathogens or toxins.

Thus, the specificity of biological agents and toxins in relation to causing disease across multiple hosts makes this answer the most comprehensive and accurate choice in the context of HAZMAT training.