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Hazardous Substance Definition

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Summary
  • Hazardous substances are defined as materials that pose a health risk to people and the environment.
  • There are specific categories for labeling hazardous substances: toxic, corrosive, irritant, sensitizer, flammable and pressure generator. 
  • Hazardous materials pose risks not only to people and the environment but also to property during transportation.
The definition of a hazardous substance can vary depending on different industries but, in general, it is any material that has the potential to create an adverse effect. For example, chemicals like mercury or asbestos are classified as hazardous substances. As a manufacturer or importer of hazardous products, you must comply with the federal regulations when handling hazardous substances.  Knowing how hazardous substances are defined is important for people working in the packaging and shipping industry, including when to use hazmat boxes to transport goods.

What Is a Hazardous Substance?

Hazardous substances are typically defined as materials that pose a significant risk to human health and the environment. The Federal Hazardous Substances Act (FHSA) defines hazardous substances as substances, mixtures of substances or toys that are harmful to people and especially young children. These substances could be toxic, induce an allergic reaction, cause burns or serious injury or be a strong irritant.  The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates hazardous substances under these various tables: 40 CFR 116.4 and 40 CFR 302.4 because certain elements and compounds can also be harmful to the environment. Due to their regulation by separate agencies, these substances fall outside the FHSA’s jurisdiction. They include:
  • Pesticides
  • Cosmetics 
  • Fuels that are stored in containers and used for heating, cooking or refrigeration
The FHSA makes an exception for substances that are not labeled as pesticides but contain a pesticide or another hazardous substance that might cause harm. You may need custom shipping boxes for handling and transporting hazardous substances based on these guidelines. Get Custom Shipping Boxes at Air Sea Containers a safety data sheet box

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FHSA Hazard Specifications for Hazardous Substances

The FHSA has clearly defined hazards for products that are labeled hazardous substances. Listed below are the definitions according to the FHSA.

  • Toxic

This refers to harmful substances that can cause injury or sickness when inhaled, consumed or absorbed through the skin. Many toxic substances have previously caused illness, including birth defects and cancer.

  • Corrosive

A substance is corrosive if it can harm living tissue, such as the skin or eyeballs, by natural chemical reaction.

  • Irritant

An irritant is a type of substance that isn’t corrosive. It can come into contact with your skin and cause pain over time. This pain might be sudden or have a slow onset.

  • Sensitizer

These substances are thought to make people very sensitive after varying lengths of exposure. If a person is exposed again and they have an allergic reaction, this can indicate that the substance can trigger hypersensitivity. 

  • Flammable

The FHSA sets different standards for substances based on their flammability level. Substances are considered extremely flammable if their flash point is less than 20ºF. Substances with a flash point greater than 20ºF but less than 100ºF are labeled “flammable.” Products labeled “combustible” have a flashpoint of at least 100ºF and can reach 150ºF when tested.

  • Pressure Generator

This applies to substances that generate pressure through heat, decomposition or other methods. This designation applies when exposed to an electrical spark, percussion or the flame of a burning paraffin candle for five seconds or less. If the substance is in an open container and exposed to 130ºF for two days or less, the container may burst.    abrown cardboard box with a corrosive danger logo printed on it

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Hazardous Substance vs. Hazardous Materials

Hazardous substances and hazardous materials sound similar, but there are key differences regarding the risks each poses to people, the environment and property. Government agencies define them in specific ways that affect their labeling and transportation across borders.   Browse Hazmat Boxes at Air Sea Containers

  • Hazardous Substance

Hazardous substances can be harmful to a person’s health, either in the long or short term. The Department of Transportation (DOT) uses the FHSA’s hazardous substance definition as a standard for labeling chemicals above a certain, reportable threshold. Vehicles transporting such chemicals must be marked or labeled as carrying hazardous substances.

  • Hazardous Material

A hazardous material is defined as a substance or material that the Secretary of Transportation deems a potential risk to health, safety, property and the environment during transportation under the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration. The DOT has a list of hazardous materials broken down into nine categories.  For instance, several items commonly found in a retail store classify as hazardous materials, such as nail polish remover and lithium batteries. You can avoid accidents when you ship your lithium batteries in lithium ion battery packaging.

Prepare Properly for Transporting Dangerous Goods

Air Sea Containers is your trusted source for dangerous goods packaging and shipping materials. We specialize in hazmat and DG packaging products and have been supplying reliable materials to customers around the globe for more than two decades.   Whether you’re a small mom-and-pop shop or a Fortune 500 company, we can provide top-of-the-line packaging to get your hazardous goods to their final destination safely. To learn more about our products and affordable prices, contact us today at (866) 801-2581 or fill out our online form to request a callback.  

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