What type of chemicals are selected based on their potential for toxic inhalation or explosive vapours?

The correct response identifies chemicals that are specifically noted in the Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG) as posing significant risks due to their potential for toxic inhalation or the generation of explosive vapors. The ERG serves as a vital resource for emergency responders, providing crucial information about hazardous materials, including those that can be inhaled or produce hazardous vapors during an incident.

Chemicals categorized within the ERG often have established exposure limits and associated dangers that might arise when they are released or improperly handled, making it imperative for responders to quickly identify and address these risks to protect public health and safety. This resource guides responders on how to stabilize situations effectively, manage vapor clouds, and diminish risks of exposure to toxic inhalants.

The other options encompass different types of hazards. Highly reactive chemicals may not primarily include the inhalation or vapor considerations that are a focus in the ERG; biological hazards entail living organisms or toxins that can cause disease rather than the chemical explosions or vapors; and corrosive chemicals primarily focus on materials that can damage living tissues or materials through chemical action rather than inhalation risks or explosive incidents. Each of these categories has its significance in the realm of hazardous materials, but they do not align as closely with the specific concerns addressed by the