What is a common consequence of a hazardous material release involving gases?

The rapid dispersion of contaminants is a common consequence of a hazardous material release involving gases due to the physical properties of gases themselves. Gases have a tendency to spread quickly and can move away from the source of the release very rapidly, driven by various factors such as wind, temperature, and pressure gradients. This fast dispersion can lead to a larger area being affected and allows for the potential for greater exposure to people and the environment.

When considering the other choices: while difficulties in containment can occur, they may not be as immediate as the rapid dispersion itself. The assertion that there is less risk to human life is misleading, as the rapid movement of gas can indeed increase the risk of exposure. Lastly, increased recovery time is often a result of many factors, including the seriousness of the contaminant, but it does not necessarily stem directly from the initial release dynamics as much as the immediate impacts of dispersion do. Thus, the rapid dispersion is fundamental in understanding the immediate risks posed by gas releases.