Hazardous materials are chemicals that exhibit one or more of the following characteristics: ignitability, corrosivity, reactivity, and toxicity. MU generally uses the most restrictive regulatory definition in identifying hazardous materials.

EHS collects and manages unwanted hazardous materials. Campus activities are managed through the designation of Principal Investigators and Supervisors as Permitted Individuals, who are responsible for locations where hazardous materials are used or stored. In addition, EHS monitors these locations to assure that hazardous materials are being handled and stored safely.