Demystifying Hazmat Chemistry

STUDENT HANDOUT
DEMYSTIFYING HAZMAT CHEMISTRY
Salts
Most salts are comprised of a metal element bonded to a nonmetal element. The chart below identifies
the types of salts, their composition, how they are named (along with examples), and some
of the associated hazards. However, the following are characteristics common to most salts:
• Salts are solid.
• Salts are nonflammable.
• Most are water-soluble.
• Many are water-reactive and produce a flammable gas, a toxic gas, a caustic solution, and/or
heat when in contact with water.
• Salts are electrolytes; they conduct electricity when in a molten state or when dissolved in
water.
• Salts range from being mildly toxic to very toxic.
• Some cause severe environmental damage.
If you suspect that you are dealing with a salt but are not yet sure which one or what hazards are
associated with it, assume the worst. Assume it is a caustic, toxic, and water-reactive oxidizer.
Don’t touch or inhale the product. Use respiratory and skin protection. Keep the product dry.
Keep it away from acids and combustibles.
Types of Salts and Common Hazards Associated with Them
The common hazards listed above represent the hazards associated with some of the worst salts
in each category. The information does not apply universally to all salts within each category.
The generalizations apply primarily to salts containing alkali metals (Group 1) and alkaline earth
metals (Group 2). In general, when salts contain transition metals, toxicity and environmental
damage are common concerns; reactivity is usually less of a problem.
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