What is required to be classified as a hazardous material?

To be classified as a hazardous material, a substance must pose a risk to health, safety, or property during transportation. This definition emphasizes the potential dangers that these materials can present when being moved from one location to another, whether it's due to their chemical properties, toxicity, or reactivity.

The classification of hazardous materials is crucial for ensuring safe handling, appropriate packaging, and compliance with transportation regulations. These materials may include toxic chemicals, explosives, flammable substances, or items that can cause harm upon exposure. Understanding which substances are considered hazardous helps transporters follow legal requirements and safety protocols to mitigate risks effectively during transport.

In contrast, being a substance commonly used in everyday products or having a pleasant odor does not inherently determine whether a material is hazardous. Additionally, characteristics such as being non-flammable and stable could describe a safe material but do not fulfill the requirements to be classified as hazardous. The focus is on the potential risks involved in transportation, which is the cornerstone of hazmat classification.