Which term best describes a substance that is capable of posing unreasonable risk during transport?

• A. Extremely Hazardous Substance
• B. Hazardous Waste
• C. Hazardous Material
• D. Hazardous Chemical

Answer: (C)

In hazmat transport, a substance that could pose an unreasonable risk to people, property, or the environment while it’s moving is labeled a hazardous material. This is the broad term used in the regulations to trigger the required packaging, labeling, placarding, documentation, and handling controls. The other terms describe narrower or different concepts: extremely hazardous substances are defined thresholds under specific reporting laws, hazardous waste refers to waste streams that require special disposal, and hazardous chemical is a general descriptor that doesn’t alone define the transport-risk category. So the best fit for something capable of posing unreasonable risk during transport is hazardous material.