What type of glazing material poses the greatest risk of human injury?

Standard plate glass poses the greatest risk of human injury primarily due to its properties when struck or broken. Unlike other materials, standard plate glass is rigid and has sharp edges when shattered, increasing the potential for lacerations or serious injury. When impact occurs, it tends to break into large, sharp shards rather than crumbling into smaller, less harmful pieces.

In contrast, materials such as acrylics and polycarbonate are designed to be more impact-resistant and typically do not shatter in the same way. While laminated glass can provide a barrier that holds together even when broken, thus minimizing injury risk, standard plate glass lacks these safety features, making it particularly dangerous in various environments.