Hazardous Materials

Chemicals are found everywhere.

They purify drinking water, increase crop production, and simplify household chores. But chemicals also can be hazardous to humans or the environment if used or released improperly. Hazards can occur during production, storage, transportation, use, or disposal. You and your community are at risk if a chemical is used unsafely or released in harmful amounts into the environment where you live, work, or play.

Hazardous materials in various forms can cause death; serious injury; long-lasting health effects; and damage to buildings, homes, and other property. Many products containing hazardous chemicals are used and routinely stored in homes. These products are also shipped daily on the nation’s highways, railroads, waterways, and pipelines.

Chemical manufacturers are one source of hazardous materials, but there are many others, including service stations, hospitals, and hazardous materials waste sites.

Hazardous materials come in the form of explosives, flammable and combustible substances, poisons, and radioactive materials. These substances are most often released as a result of transportation accidents or because of chemical accidents in plants.

For more information on University chemical safety/hazardous waste, please visit Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S).