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WHAT ARE HAZARDOUS MATERIALS?
Hazardous materials are chemical
substances, which if released or misused can pose a threat to the
environment or health. These chemicals are used in industry,
agriculture, medicine, research, and consumer goods. Hazardous materials
come in the form of explosives, flammable and combustible substances,
poisons, and radioactive materials. These substances are most often
released as a result of transportation accidents or because of chemical
accidents in plants.
Many hazardous materials do not have a taste or an odor. Some materials
can be detected because they cause physical reactions such as watering
eyes or nausea. Some hazardous materials exist beneath the surface of
the ground and can be recognized by an oil or foam-like appearance.
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS WARNING PLACARDS
The U.S. Department of
Transportation employs a labeling and placarding system for identifying
the types of hazardous materials that are transported along the nation's
highways, railways, and waterways. This system enables local emergency
officials to identify the nature and potential health threat of
chemicals being transported into your community. Were a chemical
accident to occur in your community, local emergency officials and the
fire department would be able to determine the proper emergency response
procedures for the situation by the type of placard or warning label.
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Click on the the book to see what may be traveling through your community. You
will need the four digit code located on the placard in order to view
the chemical being transported.
All vehicles carrying chemicals are required to be placarded.
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