Resource Sheet 3: Hazardous
Waste Symbols
The following symbols
indicate hazardous materials:
Poison or toxic . These
materials, if ingested, can cause serious illness or death, in addition
to cancer, birth defects, or other chronic health problems.
Flammable. These materials
will burn under certain conditions. They may also be toxic to humans
or other living things.
Explosive. These materials
may react violently when exposed to heat or or other substances.
They may also be toxic to humans or other living things.
Corrosive . These materials
can eat away other substances, including living tissue.
Radioactive . These
materials may cause illness if not shielded properly or if their
shield breaks down due to improper disposal. Only a few household
items, such as some smoke detectors, would contain this symbol.
If you see containers with this symbol away from the house, stay
away from them and report their location to the police immediately.
Biohazardous / Infectious
. These materials may pass on disease. No household items would
contain this symbol. If you see containers with this symbol away
from the house, stay away from them and report their location to
the police immediately.
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