Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act

Option C

Many substances are inherently harmful while others do not cause harm or adversely
impact the working environment except for the conditions of their use. Generally,
hazardous substances do not present a hazard if properly managed and secured. A hazard constitutes the establishment of contact between the substance and the individual, especially if it presents a threat to health and safety.


The Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA) defines a hazardous substance as any chemical regulated by the Clean Air and Water Act, the Toxic Substances Control Act, or the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act. Hazardous materials are defined by the U. S. Department of Transportation as “a substance or material, including a hazardous substance, which has been determined by the Secretary of Transportation to be capable of posing an unreasonable risk to health, safety and property when transported in commerce”. Hazardous wastes are solid wastes, which are “any discarded material(i.e. garbage, sludge, refuse or other discarded material).

A more comprehensive review of hazardous substances can be found in the General Industry Standards for Toxic and Hazardous Substances Title 29 CFR, Part 1910, Subpart Z.

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