What does the term "etologic" mean in relation to hazardous agents?

The term "etiologic" refers to the cause or origin of a disease or condition, particularly in the context of infectious agents. When discussing hazardous agents, an etiologic agent is specifically associated with pathogens that can cause infections in humans or animals. This distinguishes infectious agents from non-infectious ones, as it directly pertains to their ability to transmit disease and cause symptoms in individuals exposed to them. In the context of hazardous materials and health safety, understanding the etiologic characteristics of agents is crucial for effective risk assessment, management, and response strategies when dealing with exposures that could lead to infectious outcomes.