North Carolina Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET) State Practice Exam

Which of the following is likely to be considered hazardous material?

1. Cotton fibers

2. Pesticides

3. Paper products

4. Metal components

The correct answer is: Pesticides

Pesticides are classified as hazardous materials because they contain chemical substances specifically designed to control pests, weeds, and other undesirable organisms. These chemicals can be toxic, flammable, reactive, or harmful to human health and the environment if not handled properly. Regulations regarding hazardous materials often highlight pesticides' potential dangers, requiring special storage, labeling, and disposal procedures to mitigate risks. In contrast, cotton fibers, paper products, and metal components do not typically exhibit the properties that designate them as hazardous materials. Cotton fibers and paper products are generally considered safe and pose minimal risk in normal handling situations. Metal components can vary widely in safety based on their specific materials and chemical properties; however, most basic metal products do not carry the hazards associated with pesticides. Therefore, pesticides stand out as the correct answer in the context of material classification as hazardous.