About Hazardous Materials
Chemicals are found everywhere. They purify drinking water, increase crop production, and simplify household chores. But chemicals also can be hazardous to humans or the environment if used or released improperly. Hazards can occur during production, storage, transportation, use, or disposal. You and your community are at risk if a chemical is used unsafely or released in harmful amounts into the environment where you live, work, or play. Hazardous materials in various forms can cause death, serious injury, long-lasting health effects, and damage to buildings, homes, and other property. Many products containing hazardous chemicals are used and stored in homes routinely. These products are also shipped daily on the nation's highways, railroads, waterways, and pipelines
There are five groups of chemicals subject to reporting under the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA) and the Risk Management Plans (RMPs) under the Clean Air Act of 1990 (112R). Some chemicals appear in several of these lists. These lists are:
- Extremely Hazardous Substances (EHS)
- Hazardous Substances
- Hazardous Chemicals
- Toxic Chemicals
- List of Toxics and Flammables