Final answer:
Contents that are highly combustible or can produce poisonous fumes or explosions are known as flammable materials. Flammable materials, toxic substances, and explosive compounds are different types of hazardous wastes with specific properties that can be dangerous under various circumstances.
Step-by-step explanation:
Contents which are liable to burn extremely fast or that can produce poisonous fumes or explosions in a fire are known as flammable materials. Such materials include substances that can ignite easily and burn rapidly. They may release dangerous chemicals, possibly leading to explosions if they accumulate and are set off by a heat source. Flammable materials are distinct from combustible substances, which burn under certain conditions but not as rapidly as flammable materials. On the other hand, toxic substances refer to materials that may pose a risk due to toxicity, having harmful effects on health but not necessarily being prone to rapid combustion or explosions. Explosive compounds are a specific type of flammable material known for their ability to detonate or explode under certain conditions, including shock, heat, or chemical change. Examples of hazardous wastes that illustrate these characteristics are lithium-sulfur batteries and explosives, which can be unstable and capable of detonation.
An oxidising chemical like potassium dichromate contributes oxygen which can make other materials combust, while bromine-containing compounds used in fire extinguishers, although effective, are toxic and environmentally damaging. Detailed information on hazardous wastes such as these is provided by the US Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA), categorizing materials based on their toxicity, corrosiveness, flammability, or reactivity.