What are the four primary characteristics of a hazardous material?

The selection of ignitability, corrosivity, reactivity, and toxicity as the four primary characteristics of hazardous materials is based on well-established criteria used to classify and handle hazardous substances safely. Each of these characteristics provides critical information about the potential dangers associated with different materials.

Ignitability refers to a substance's ability to catch fire and sustain combustion, which is vital for assessing fire risks during transportation or storage. Corrosivity indicates the capability of a material to cause damage to living tissue or severe corrosion to materials, including metals. Reactivity encompasses how a substance behaves chemically with other materials, particularly under varying conditions such as heat or pressure; reactive substances can create hazardous situations when mixed with incompatible materials. Toxicity reflects the adverse health effects a substance can have on organisms, encompassing short-term and long-term health risks and environmental impacts.

This combination of characteristics allows for a comprehensive risk assessment when dealing with hazardous materials, ensuring that proper safety protocols and handling procedures are followed to protect human health and the environment effectively.