What does 'hazardous' typically indicate in the context of materials?

In the context of materials, the term 'hazardous' indicates that a substance poses a potential risk to health or the environment. This classification encompasses materials that can be flammable, explosive, toxic, corrosive, or otherwise harmful when improperly handled or transported. Recognizing a material as hazardous is critical because it informs the necessary precautions and regulations that must be followed to ensure safety during handling, shipping, and disposal.

This understanding is essential in postal services and shipping, where certain materials may require special packaging, labeling, and documentation to comply with safety regulations, ensuring the protection of postal workers, customers, and the public.

The other options do not accurately capture the nature of hazardous materials. While some materials may be safe for transport or approved without restrictions, hazardous materials inherently require thorough assessments and appropriate handling procedures to mitigate associated risks, which is why 'hazardous' is specifically aligned with potential danger.