Which GHS category indicates the least severe rating?

GHS, or the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals, utilizes a category system to classify the severity of hazards associated with chemical substances. In this system, lower category numbers indicate more severe hazards, while higher numbers reflect a decreased level of risk.

The GHS categories are ranked such that GHS 1 represents the most significant danger, indicating highly hazardous materials, and as the numbers rise, the severity diminishes. GHS 5 is the highest numbered category listed in the provided options, indicating the least severe rating among them. This means that substances classified under GHS 5 pose lower risks compared to those in GHS 4, GHS 3, or GHS 1.

Understanding this hierarchical structure is essential for interpreting hazard classifications, ensuring proper handling, and implementing appropriate safety measures for chemicals based on their risk levels.