Which of the following best defines "hazardous material"?

The definition of "hazardous material" focuses on substances that pose a risk in various contexts, particularly to health, safety, property, or the environment. This definition is broad enough to encompass a wide range of materials, including chemicals that might be toxic, flammable, reactive, or corrosive, as well as those that could have detrimental effects on living beings or ecological systems.

Understanding what constitutes a hazardous material is vital for ensuring proper safety protocols and emergency response measures are in place. Those who are trained to handle such materials must recognize the diverse nature of hazards, which can arise in workplaces, during transportation, or in storage situations.

In contrast, definitions provided in the other options fail to capture the essence of what makes a material hazardous. A substance that has no risk to health or safety cannot be classified as hazardous at all. Similarly, a substance that only affects the environment or is deemed non-toxic and non-flammable does not encompass the broader range of potential dangers that hazardous materials pose. Thus, the correct answer reflects the critical understanding necessary for managing hazardous materials safely and effectively.