Final answer:
The statement is true; non-hazardous substances can indeed become highly toxic when mixed with others. This is due to chemical reactions that alter their inherent properties, and it underscores the importance of the principle that 'the dose makes the poison'.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that some substances are not hazardous but can become highly toxic when mixed with another substance is true. This phenomenon is related to chemical interactions and reactions that change the properties of the substances involved. For instance, mixing bleach and ammonia produces toxic chloramine vapors. Household chemicals like vinegar and chlorine bleach can create chlorine gas when combined. And certain medications, while beneficial on their own, can become harmful when taken together due to drug interactions. Hence, the toxicity of a substance can often depend on its concentration and interactions with other chemicals.
Moreover, understanding that the dose makes the poison is crucial. This principle establishes that nearly any substance can be toxic if consumed in large enough quantities. Conversely, what may be completely harmless or beneficial in small doses could be deadly at higher concentrations. Substances like selenium are required in trace amounts for normal bodily function but can cause adverse effects in larger doses.
Examples of Toxic Interactions
- Bleach and ammonia producing toxic chloramine vapors
- Vinegar and bleach creating chlorine gas
- Certain drug combinations leading to harmful interactions