Which of the following would be considered hazardous materials?

Hazardous materials are substances that pose a risk to health, property, or the environment due to their chemical or physical properties. Among the choices presented, radioactive waste is a prime example of a hazardous material, as it contains radioactive substances that can cause harm through radiation exposure.

Food items, while they can become hazardous if they spoil or if someone has a severe allergy, are generally not classified as hazardous materials in the context of transport regulations unless they fall into specific categories requiring special handling. Household cleaners can contain chemicals that may be harmful if mishandled or mixed improperly, but they are often not classified as hazardous materials in the same strict regulatory framework as radioactive waste. Therefore, while household cleaners can pose risks, they don’t automatically qualify as hazardous materials under the same criteria used for substances like radioactive waste.

This distinction emphasizes the regulatory definitions and classifications of hazardous materials, where radioactive waste stands out for its significant and inherent dangers.