Which hazard descriptor describes a substance that emits ionizing radiation?

Which hazard descriptor describes a substance that emits ionizing radiation?

• A. Explosive
• B. Radioactive substance
• C. Non-flammable compressed gas
• D. Spontaneously Combustible

Answer: (B)

Ionizing radiation comes from materials that are radioactive. The descriptor “radioactive substance” is used to signal that the material emits ionizing radiation and requires shielding, monitoring, and careful handling to protect people and the environment. The other descriptors refer to different hazards—an explosive can release energy violently, a non-flammable compressed gas is about gases stored under pressure that don’t burn, and spontaneously combustible materials ignite on their own. So, describing a substance as radioactive is the correct way to indicate it emits ionizing radiation.

Ionizing radiation comes from materials that are radioactive. The descriptor “radioactive substance” is used to signal that the material emits ionizing radiation and requires shielding, monitoring, and careful handling to protect people and the environment. The other descriptors refer to different hazards—an explosive can release energy violently, a non-flammable compressed gas is about gases stored under pressure that don’t burn, and spontaneously combustible materials ignite on their own. So, describing a substance as radioactive is the correct way to indicate it emits ionizing radiation.