What is considered a 'hazardous substance' under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA)?

Under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), a 'hazardous substance' is defined as any substance that is specifically designated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and has the potential to cause harm to human health or the environment. This designation includes a wide range of materials, including but not limited to toxic chemicals, pollutants, and substances that pose a danger to public health or ecosystems.

The rationale behind this definition is that the EPA's identification process is based on the hazardous properties of substances, which can include their toxicity, reactivity, corrosivity, and other characteristics that might lead to significant impacts if they are released into the environment. By classifying these substances, CERCLA aims to facilitate cleanup efforts and ensure accountability in handling hazardous waste, thereby protecting public health and the environment.

The other choices do not accurately reflect the definition provided under CERCLA. For instance, calling a substance hazardous only when it is in large quantities overlooks the fact that even small amounts of certain substances can be highly dangerous. Similarly, defining hazardous substances as non-toxic and biodegradable directly contradicts the established criteria for what constitutes a hazardous substance. Finally, a mere listing of chemicals used in household products does not encompass the full scope of materials that