What defines a Hazardous Substance?

A hazardous substance is defined by criteria established in regulatory frameworks, and one such framework includes specific listings in Appendix A of relevant codes, such as the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA). This appendix outlines specific materials known to pose a risk to human health and the environment due to their hazardous properties.

This definition encompasses various attributes of hazardous substances, which may include toxicity, reactivity, corrosivity, and infectiousness. Appendix A serves as a regulatory reference, allowing responders and organizations to identify and manage these substances effectively according to established safety and environmental guidelines.

The other options do not adequately capture the comprehensive legal and regulatory definitions of hazardous substances. For instance, merely labeling a material as a difficult-to-manage solid waste does not inherently identify its hazardous nature. Similarly, petroleum products, while often hazardous, do not exclusively define the category; many other types of substances can also be considered hazardous. Lastly, the concept of a material lacking a safe disposal method does not strictly correlate with the criteria for classifying a hazardous substance, as many hazardous materials do have established disposal methods required by law.