Fire Academy Hazmat Practice Exam

Chemical degradation is the process of which?

The process of using absorbents to pick up liquids The process of using another material to change the chemical structure of a hazardous material The process of using a blanket to cover a spill The process of flushing contaminants with water

Correct Answer:

The process of using another material to change the chemical structure of a hazardous material

Explanation:

Chemical degradation means applying a reactive material to chemically transform the hazardous material, changing its chemical structure to form different, typically less hazardous compounds. This is a chemical change that reduces the substance’s hazards at the source, rather than just removing it or containing it. For example, neutralizing an acid with a base to form water and a salt is a degradation reaction that lowers reactivity and potential harm. This differs from absorbing the liquid with an absorbent (which removes it physically without changing its chemical makeup), covering a spill to contain it (physical containment, not transformation), or flushing with water to dilute or wash away contaminants (removal without a chemical change).

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