Which of the following statements about absorbents is true?

• A. Absorbent materials can react with certain hazardous substances
• B. Absorbents are inert to all chemicals
• C. Absorbents eliminate all hazards instantly
• D. Absorbents cause no physical change

Answer: (A)

Absorbents control spills by soaking up liquids, but they aren’t universally inert. Some absorbents are designed to react with certain hazardous substances—such as acids or caustics—so the contact can neutralize or transform the spilled material. That’s why the statement that absorbent materials can react with certain hazardous substances is true. It’s important to remember that absorbing a liquid doesn’t automatically remove all hazards; the material may still pose risks, and the absorbent itself can undergo chemical or physical changes (for example, it may heat up, swell, or alter in color). The other statements imply universal inertness, instant elimination of hazards, or no change at all, which aren’t accurate for absorbents in all situations.