What defines "hazardous materials"?

The definition of "hazardous materials" encompasses substances that pose a risk to health and safety. This includes materials that can cause injury, illness, or damage to people, property, or the environment. The identification of hazardous materials often involves evaluating their physical and chemical properties, as well as their potential to cause harm through various exposure pathways, such as inhalation, ingestion, or contact with skin.

In the context of emergency response or regulatory compliance, hazardous materials are classified based on their potential effects, which can include toxicity, reactivity, corrosivity, and flammability. The focus on health and safety ensures that appropriate handling, storage, and disposal protocols are established to minimize risks associated with these substances.

The other options do not capture the comprehensive nature of what makes a material hazardous. For example, merely being easily flammable does not encompass the full spectrum of hazards, nor does high aesthetic value or widespread use in construction contribute to defining a substance as hazardous. Therefore, the recognition of the broad risks to health and safety identifies option B as the accurate description of "hazardous materials."