A product is considered hazardous if it can cause injury or illness to a human if inhaled, ingested or absorbed through the skin. Most household cleaning products, or products you might store and transfer in your business, are not harmful if used appropriately. However, if they are used, stored or disposed of not according to the label’s directions, they can become hazardous.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) describes a hazardous substance as any biological agent and other disease-causing agents that lead to injuries, diseases and even death upon exposure or release into the environment. The elements in hazardous materials often contain highly toxic and reactive substances that become poisonous when mishandled. Sometimes, hazardous products can be identified by their intense smell.
The strong odor is why so many products contain bright labels that recommend you clean in an open, well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling these chemicals. Hazardous substances are also contained in insect killers, detergents, glues and many products that use vapor or mist mechanisms. When you are done using these hazardous substances and wish to throw them out, they become hazardous waste.