During which phase do most hazardous material releases occur?

Most hazardous material releases occur during the transportation phase due to the various risks associated with moving these materials from one location to another. This phase involves multiple factors that can lead to accidents, such as vehicle collisions, equipment failure, and human error. Transporting hazardous materials presents unique challenges, including the need for proper packaging, labeling, and adherence to regulations, all of which are critical for minimizing the risk of spills or leaks during transit.

In contrast, while hazardous materials can also be released during production, disposal, or storage phases, transportation remains the phase where incidents most frequently happen due to the inherent risks involved in handling materials outside of controlled environments.