As a business owner, investor, or consumer, after you recognize the far-
reaching impact of these conditions, the way you see and engage the world
will be substantially altered. Dow Chemical has recently acknowledged this
in its efforts to help people understand that because chemistry is literally
everywhere, there is scarcely anything more important in our lives. When
consumers comprehend the full scope and impact of chemicals in their lives,
they will be sure to insist that the companies with which they do business
comprehend it, too — and then act appropriately. As a result, the way you
do business can’t help but to change.
Defining hazardous materials ...........................................................
In the United States, hazardous materials are defined and regulated according
to laws and regulations administered by the U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA), the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA),
the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), and the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory
Commission (NRC). Although each agency has its own definition, taken as a
whole, these definitions provide a comprehensive picture of the nature of
hazardous materials.
As we just mentioned, a hazardous material is any item or agent that has the
potential to cause harm to humans, animals, or the environment, alone or
through other factors or agents.
OSHA defines as hazardous any substance that is a health or physical hazard.
This includes
Carcinogens
Irritants
Sensitizers
Toxic agents
Corrosives
Other agents considered hazardous include those that act on the hematopoi-
etic system (the system that makes blood) or damage the lungs, skin, eyes, or
mucous membranes.
Many chemicals are considered to be hazardous materials. Among them are
Combustibles Explosives
Flammables Oxidizers
Pyrophorics Unstable-reactives or water-reactives
220 Part III: Going Green
