Anthrax and Small pox are categorized as?

Anthrax and smallpox are classified as pathogens because they are caused by infectious agents that can lead to disease. Pathogens include various types of microorganisms, such as bacteria and viruses, which can invade host organisms and cause health issues. In the case of anthrax, it is caused by the bacterium Bacillus anthracis, while smallpox is caused by the variola virus. The distinction is important for understanding how these diseases are transmitted and how they can be controlled or treated.

The other options refer to different classifications. Toxins are poisonous substances produced by living organisms and can cause harm but are not living pathogens themselves. Irritants typically refer to substances that can cause inflammation or discomfort to tissues but do not necessarily cause disease in the way that pathogens do. Blistering agents are a type of chemical warfare agent that cause severe skin and mucous membrane blisters, which is not applicable to either anthrax or smallpox. Therefore, categorizing anthrax and smallpox as pathogens accurately reflects their nature as infectious diseases.