What are the four main categories of hazardous materials?

The four main categories of hazardous materials are correctly identified in the selected answer as physical hazards, health hazards, environmental hazards, and radioactive materials.

Physical hazards refer to materials that can cause harm due to their physical state or properties, such as explosives, flammable liquids, or reactive substances. Health hazards encompass materials that can affect human health, including toxic chemicals and carcinogens. Environmental hazards involve substances that can cause damage to the environment, like pollutants that affect air, soil, or water quality. Radioactive materials present unique hazards due to their potential for radiation exposure, necessitating specific handling and exposure controls.

This classification is widely recognized and used in safety regulations and practices to effectively categorize and manage the risks associated with hazardous materials. Understanding these categories helps in creating appropriate safety measures, emergency response plans, and educational programs for those who work with or are exposed to hazardous materials.