Question

Which of the following is TRUE?

a) Smelling an unlabeled chemical is a good way to identify it
b) Any type of glove will provide protection from any chemical as long as the exposure is brief
c) Wiping chemical drips or residue from the outside of containers will lessen the chance of chemical exposure
d) Food and chemicals may be stored in the same refrigerator as long as both are clearly labeled

Answer 1

The only true statement is that wiping chemical drips or residue from the outside of containers will lessen the chance of chemical exposure. Smelling unlabeled chemicals, using any type of glove for protection, and storing food with chemicals are not safe practices.

Step-by-step explanation:

The correct statement regarding chemical safety is: c) Wiping chemical drips or residue from the outside of containers will lessen the chance of chemical exposure. This is a standard lab practice that can significantly reduce the risk of accidental contact with harmful substances.

Smelling an unlabeled chemical is not a good way to identify it, as this could be dangerous and lead to exposure to harmful vapors. Similarly, not all gloves provide adequate protection against all chemicals, and the level of protection can be influenced by the duration of exposure as well as the chemical's properties. Food and chemicals should never be stored together in the same refrigerator, even if they are clearly labeled, because of the risk of contamination and chemical reactions.

When in a laboratory setting, one should always follow proper safety protocols, such as using fume hoods, wearing appropriate personal protective equipment, and never tasting, smelling, or touching chemicals unless specifically instructed to do so.