Final answer:
Drano is classified as a corrosive because its primary ingredient, sodium hydroxide (lye), can cause severe tissue damage upon contact. It is used in drain cleaning to break down clogs, but it must be handled with care to avoid chemical burns and inhalation risks.
Step-by-step explanation:
Drano is an example of corrosives. Lye, often sodium hydroxide (NaOH), is the primary ingredient in many household drain cleaners like Drano. It is incredibly caustic, meaning it can cause severe burns to tissues and other organic materials upon contact. The reactivity of lye with organic substances is utilized to clear blockages in drains caused by grease, hair, and food particles. However, this same reactivity can pose significant hazards to humans, as it can damage skin, eyes, and respiratory systems if contacted directly. Therefore, drain cleaners must be handled with extreme care to avoid contact with skin and eyes, and to prevent inhalation of fumes.
Due to the potential for severe tissue damage, or necrosis, that can result from direct contact, and the immediate chemical reactivity with tissues, drain cleaners are labeled as corrosives - not to be confused with dangerously reactive materials, compressed gas, or necrosis itself - but because of their ability to corrode. This is why their use requires caution, adherence to safety guidelines, and proper personal protective equipment as they pose significant health risks upon improper handling.