According to D.O.T., how is hazardous materials defined?

The definition of hazardous materials according to the Department of Transportation (D.O.T.) encompasses the inherent risks associated with substances that, when released improperly from their containers, pose a threat to health, safety, and the environment. This perspective considers not just the nature of the substance itself, but also its potential for causing harm during incidents such as spills, leaks, or accidents.

The focus on containment failure reflects an understanding that the danger posed by hazardous materials often arises when they escape their designated packaging or control systems. This makes the identification and management of such materials critically important in transportation and storage to prevent accidents that could lead to exposure or harm to people, property, or the environment.

In contrast, the other options may indicate potentially dangerous substances, but they do not encapsulate the broader definition set forth by the D.O.T. By specifying circumstances in which a material causes harm, the correct answer aligns more accurately with regulatory standards governing the handling and transportation of hazardous materials.