Virginia VDFP HazMat Awareness and Operations Practice Test

Corrosive materials cause chemical burns and tissue burns. They react with living tissue on contact or with inhaled fumes, rapidly destroying cells and causing damage to skin, eyes, and the respiratory tract. This is why the primary danger to people is tissue destruction, not just a fire or explosion risk. Many corrosives can be extremely harmful even in small amounts, and some may be odorless, so you cannot rely on smell to assess danger. This is why proper PPE and prompt decontamination are essential.