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List of Hazmat Materials

Hazardous materials, also known as "hazmat," are products (often waste) containing chemicals that, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, can cause "death, serious injury, long-lasting health effects, and damage to buildings, homes and other property." The following is a list of some of the materials that fall into this category.

  1. Mercury

    • Mercury is an elemental material that can be found in a variety of products. Some of the most widely used products that contain Mercury are thermometers and fluorescent light bulbs. Cosmetics such as mascara also contain some of this element. Although these items are safe to use, any inhalation, ingestion or general overexposure could prove toxic.

    Fuels

    • Most fuels are considered hazardous materials. This includes both fuels for vehicles (gasoline and diesel) and fuels for heating and cooking (propane and kerosene). Not only are these commonly used liquids extremely flammable, but any ingestion of them can be fatal. That is why it's important to properly dispose of any leftover fuel.

    Aerosols

    • In the past 20 years, aerosols have been shown to be bad for the environment, but they also can be quite damaging to the human body. If the aerosol spray is inhaled, it can be toxic, causing damage to the brain and immune system. The aerosol container too, if not properly disposed of, can create toxic soil and water.

    Pesticides

    • Pesticides, similar to aerosols, are industrial/consumer materials that have been deemed hazardous. By their nature, pesticides are meant to inflict damage on living things. Although they are used to kill insects and small rodents, those who work with large amounts of pesticides are at risk. If too much pesticide is applied to food, then consumers are at risk as well.

    Butane

    • Butane is a highly flammable chemical compound gas that is used to fuel many items, from cooking ovens to cigarette lighters. It is even used as a refrigerant in air conditioners and other appliances. When inhaled, butane is highly toxic, causing anything from nausea to death.

    Airbag Inflators

    • Although airbags are designed to save lives, in some older cars, the chemicals used to inflate the bags are extremely toxic--specifically, sodium azide. Any ingestion can lead to instant nausea and vomiting and a risk of death by lung failure. Although these types of airbags have been phased out, the ones that remain are considered hazardous materials.

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