Which of the following best explains why all chemicals in the laboratory should be considered dangerous?

• A. Laboratory chemicals are only dangerous if they are flammable.
• B. Some chemicals may have unknown hazards or can react unpredictably.
• C. Chemicals in the laboratory are safe if handled with gloves.
• D. All chemicals in the laboratory are always toxic and corrosive.

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that laboratory chemicals can have a variety of hazards, including toxicity, flammability, corrosiveness, reactivity, and unknown effects.
2. Recognize that not all chemicals show obvious dangers like flammability or corrosiveness, but some may still pose risks due to unpredictable reactions or unknown properties.
3. Consider that safety protocols recommend treating all chemicals as potentially hazardous to minimize risk, regardless of their known properties.
4. Evaluate the given options by comparing them to the principle of universal precaution in chemical safety, which states that all chemicals should be handled with care because hazards may not always be apparent.
5. Conclude that the best explanation is that some chemicals may have unknown hazards or can react unpredictably, which justifies treating all laboratory chemicals as dangerous.