Final answer:
The United States Department of Transportation (DOT) defines nine types of hazardous materials, which are classified based on their potential risks. These materials should be handled and transported following specific regulations to ensure safety.
Step-by-step explanation:
The United States Department of Transportation (DOT) defines nine types of hazardous materials. These materials are classified based on their potential risks and include explosives, gases, flammable liquids, flammable solids, oxidizing substances, toxic substances, radioactive materials, corrosive substances, and miscellaneous dangerous goods.
For example, explosives are materials that can cause sudden release of energy, such as dynamite and fireworks. Flammable liquids, on the other hand, are substances that can easily catch fire, like gasoline or alcohol.
It is important to properly handle and transport hazardous materials to ensure the safety of people and the environment. The DOT has specific regulations in place to govern the transportation of these materials to minimize the risks involved.