Corrosive substances are best described as what?

Corrosive substances are best described as what?

• A. A substance that may be an acid or an alkali and can damage the skin and other tissues
• B. A material that always boils at room temperature
• C. A substance that only corrodes metal surfaces
• D. A harmless chemical with no reactivity

Answer: (A)

Corrosive substances are defined by their ability to cause chemical damage to living tissue and to materials they contact. They can be acids or bases (alkalis) and may burn skin, eyes, and other tissues, as well as corrode various materials. This makes the description that they may be an acid or an alkali and can damage skin and other tissues the best fit. Boiling point at room temperature isn’t what makes a substance corrosive, and many corrosives aren’t characterized by boiling. The idea that these substances only corrode metal is incorrect because they can attack a wide range of materials and tissues, not just metals. And calling a substance harmless with no reactivity is opposite of corrosive, which by definition involves reactive, destructive action. Safety-wise, treat any suspected corrosive with appropriate PPE and containment to prevent contact.

Corrosive substances are defined by their ability to cause chemical damage to living tissue and to materials they contact. They can be acids or bases (alkalis) and may burn skin, eyes, and other tissues, as well as corrode various materials. This makes the description that they may be an acid or an alkali and can damage skin and other tissues the best fit.

Boiling point at room temperature isn’t what makes a substance corrosive, and many corrosives aren’t characterized by boiling. The idea that these substances only corrode metal is incorrect because they can attack a wide range of materials and tissues, not just metals. And calling a substance harmless with no reactivity is opposite of corrosive, which by definition involves reactive, destructive action. Safety-wise, treat any suspected corrosive with appropriate PPE and containment to prevent contact.