Common Items You May Not Think Are Hazmat

Post Update– It’s always good to have a refresher on what is considered a “dangerous good,” that’s why we’re updating this “oldie but goodie.” Check out this updated list of answers regarding common household items you may not realize are actually considered hazardous materials.

Concerned About Shipping Dangerous Household Items?

When we picture dangerous goods, we typically visualize drums of toxic chemicals, sticks of TNT, or a bright, but unidentifiable green liquid. However, you may be surprised at which common household items you use every day that may be classified as household dangerous goods.

According to IATA, “Dangerous Goods are items that may endanger the safety of an aircraft or persons on board the aircraft.

Dangerous Goods are also known as restricted articles, hazardous materials and dangerous cargo. Many common items found in your household can be considered dangerous goods for the purpose of air transport.”

Dangerous Goods Involved In Home Improvement Projects

Products like grout and adhesives can be dangerous. Plus, if you consider all of your different electronic devices – such as phones, laptops and iPods – they all contain Lithium Ion batteries, which is also considered a dangerous good.

Additionally, did you know that perfume, nail polish, and paint are usually flammable? Or that aerosols such as hairspray, deodorant, spray paint are also flammable?

Even a fire extinguisher containing compressed gas is hazardous. All of these common household items are considered dangerous goods, which means if you are planning to transport any of these materials, you’ll have to declare them as such.

Can I Transport Household Dangerous Goods?

The transportation of dangerous goods is governed by a variety of regulations and laws, both at the state and federal level.

Proper precautions must be taken when shipping dangerous goods to ensure compliance with these regulations. Consequently, different methods of shipment are regulated by separate governing bodies.

Critically, the laws & regulations that have been put in place assign the responsibility for correct classification of dangerous goods on the shipper.

Dangerous goods are classified into nine categories: explosives, gases, flammable liquids, flammable solids, oxidizing substances, toxic and infectious substances, radioactive material, corrosives, and miscellaneous dangerous goods.

We all use these products in our daily lives and they are usually safe to use, but they pose hazards when transporting them and so we have to ensure they are shipped safely.

If you need more information about transporting hazardous materials, contact a dangerous goods shipping expert.

At DGD Transport, we pride ourselves on disrupting the ever-changing logistics industry by developing tools and solutions that meet our customer’s needs. Through our on-demand proprietary technology, DGD Transport offers cost-effective and eco-friendly solutions. As the premier 3PL company in South Florida, our team is comprised of forward-thinkers who value efficiency and doing things differently.

Check the blog each week for industry news related to tech, innovation, and efficiency!