Which characteristic is critical to assess when identifying hazardous materials?

When identifying hazardous materials, assessing the physical and chemical properties of a substance is critical. These properties include aspects such as flammability, reactivity, corrosiveness, toxicity, and environmental impact. Understanding these characteristics allows first responders and hazardous materials teams to evaluate the potential risks associated with a specific material, determine appropriate response measures, and implement effective safety protocols.

Physical properties such as state (solid, liquid, or gas), boiling point, and specific gravity provide essential information about how the material might behave in an emergency scenario. Chemical properties, including pH, oxidation potential, and solubility, inform responders about potential reactions with other materials, which is vital for safe handling and containment.

While the cost of a material, its historical usage, and the identity of the manufacturer may provide additional context, they do not directly inform the immediate safety and risks associated with the hazardous material in question. The physical and chemical properties remain paramount in ensuring the safety of personnel and the environment during incident response.