What does the term "reactive" imply about a hazardous material?

The term "reactive" in the context of hazardous materials specifically refers to a material's ability to undergo chemical reactions with other substances. This means that a reactive material can interact with various chemicals, potentially leading to a release of energy, formation of new substances, or even dangerous situations such as explosions or toxic gas release. A reactive substance may react violently with water, air, or other chemicals, making it important to understand these characteristics when handling such materials.

The other choices discuss different properties. For instance, the notion of igniting easily relates more to flammability rather than reactivity. Similarly, the potential for an explosion is not a definitive characteristic of all reactive materials, as some may not explode but merely participate in other types of chemical reactions. The statement about being non-toxic does not align with reactivity at all, as a reactive substance could still pose significant health risks even if it’s non-toxic in certain contexts. Thus, the emphasis on the ability to react with other substances accurately captures the essence of what “reactive” denotes.