What is a Hazardous Material?
Any substance or material that is considered to have the capability to cause an unreasonable risk to human health or safety or the environment when transported in commerce, used incorrectly, or if not properly stored or contained is considered a hazardous material.
Hazardous materials are vital to the nation’s economy, as we all depend on these materials to heat our homes, provide fuel for our transportation system, and deliver chemicals to enhance food production and drugs to diagnose and treat illnesses. Over 3.1 billion tons of hazardous materials are shipped annually, equaling 28 percent of all ton miles of annual freight.