Military Munitions Rule Awareness Practice Test

A characteristic hazardous waste is defined by which qualities?

1. Only ignitability and reactivity

2. Corrosively, reactivity, and storage temperature

3. Ignitability, corrosively, reactivity, or toxicity

4. None of the above

The correct answer is: Ignitability, corrosively, reactivity, or toxicity

A characteristic hazardous waste is defined by the qualities of ignitability, corrosivity, reactivity, or toxicity. These characteristics serve to identify and classify materials that exhibit dangerous attributes that could pose risks to human health or the environment. Ignitability refers to the ability of a substance to catch fire easily and sustain combustion, which is a critical concern for safety and environmental harm. Corrosivity describes materials that can corrode or destroy living tissue or materials, while reactivity involves substances that are unstable or can undergo violent chemical changes under certain conditions. Toxicity denotes wastes that can be harmful or fatal when ingested or absorbed. This classification is crucial since it informs proper handling, storage, and disposal procedures, ensuring that hazardous wastes are managed in a way that minimizes risks. Understanding these characteristics is essential for compliance with regulations and for the safeguarding of public health and the ecosystem.