What is considered a Hazardous Material?

A substance that poses a risk to health or safety is defined as a hazardous material because it can cause adverse effects to human health or the environment. This includes a wide range of materials that are flammable, reactive, toxic, or corrosive, which can lead to serious incidents if not handled properly. Hazardous materials can be found in various industries and include chemicals, biological agents, and substances that may not be safe for general use.

In contrast, the other options describe materials that do not fit the criteria of hazardous materials. For instance, food poisoning pertains to biological hazards rather than hazardous materials in the conventional sense used in pollution response. Renewable energy sources are typically considered beneficial for the environment and do not pose direct health risks, and non-toxic biodegradable materials are generally safe and environmentally friendly, further distancing them from the classification of hazardous materials.