What is the common hazard of using concentrated acids in lab experiments?

What is the common hazard of using concentrated acids in lab experiments?

• A. They are flammable and explosive
• B. They can cause severe burns and release toxic fumes
• C. They can corrode glassware
• D. They can produce gas under heat

Answer: (B)

The primary reason that concentrated acids pose a significant hazard in laboratory settings is due to their ability to cause severe burns and release toxic fumes. Concentrated acids, such as sulfuric acid and hydrochloric acid, are highly reactive and can readily damage skin and other tissues upon contact, leading to painful burns. This risk necessitates the use of personal protective equipment, such as gloves and goggles, when handling them. In addition to the physical harm they can inflict, many concentrated acids also emit hazardous vapors or fumes which can be toxic if inhaled. This toxicity can lead to respiratory issues or other serious health effects. Therefore, proper ventilation and the use of fume hoods are critical when working with concentrated acids to mitigate these risks. While other options highlight potential issues related to concentrated acids, such as their corrosive nature towards glassware, the primary concern in terms of safety highlights the immediate health risks associated with skin contact and inhalation of toxic fumes.

The primary reason that concentrated acids pose a significant hazard in laboratory settings is due to their ability to cause severe burns and release toxic fumes. Concentrated acids, such as sulfuric acid and hydrochloric acid, are highly reactive and can readily damage skin and other tissues upon contact, leading to painful burns. This risk necessitates the use of personal protective equipment, such as gloves and goggles, when handling them.

In addition to the physical harm they can inflict, many concentrated acids also emit hazardous vapors or fumes which can be toxic if inhaled. This toxicity can lead to respiratory issues or other serious health effects. Therefore, proper ventilation and the use of fume hoods are critical when working with concentrated acids to mitigate these risks.

While other options highlight potential issues related to concentrated acids, such as their corrosive nature towards glassware, the primary concern in terms of safety highlights the immediate health risks associated with skin contact and inhalation of toxic fumes.