Corrosives can cause severe tissue damage on contact. Which statement about safe handling is true?

• A. They are always liquids
• B. They only affect skin
• C. They are used to accelerate reactions
• D. They should be handled with appropriate PPE and stored securely

Answer: (D)

Corrosives require protection and containment because they can damage skin, eyes, and respiratory tissues on contact or from fumes. The best practice for safe handling is to wear appropriate PPE—chemical-resistant gloves, goggles or a face shield, a lab coat or apron, and closed-toe shoes—and to store containers securely in a suitable corrosive cabinet or designated area. Keeping containers tightly closed, clearly labeled, and in secondary containment helps prevent spills and exposure, and storing acids and bases separately minimizes dangerous reactions if a leak occurs. Proper ventilation or fume hoods are also important when handling volatile corrosives.

Why the other ideas don’t fit: corrosives aren’t limited to liquids; many can be solids or vapors that still pose hazards. They don’t only affect skin—eye and respiratory damage are common risks. While some substances are used to drive reactions, the safety statement focuses on protective handling and storage, not how they’re used in chemistry.