What characteristic makes a material classified as hazardous?

A material is classified as hazardous primarily due to its potential to cause harm to health, safety, or the environment. This classification is based on the intrinsic properties of the material, such as its toxicity, flammability, reactivity, or corrosiveness. The key factor is that these characteristics pose risks to human health or the surrounding environment during handling, storage, or transportation.

Understanding hazardous materials in this context is essential for ensuring appropriate safety measures and regulations are in place. Categories of hazardous materials include chemicals, biological agents, radioactive materials, and certain physical materials. This classification helps in identifying the necessary precautions to mitigate risks associated with exposure or accidents involving those materials.

While other options—such as transportation costs, availability, or storage requirements—can influence the handling of materials, they do not define whether a material is hazardous. The classification hinges on the potential for harm, making it crucial for anyone involved in the transportation or handling of these materials to be aware of and comply with safety regulations and proper procedures.