How can one determine if a chemical is hazardous?

To determine if a chemical is hazardous, checking the label and Safety Data Sheet (SDS) is the most reliable method. These documents provide essential information about the chemical's properties, potential hazards, and safety precautions. The label offers crucial details such as hazard symbols, warning statements, and recommended protective measures, while the SDS contains comprehensive information including health risks, environmental risks, handling instructions, and first aid measures. This documentation is created based on standardized regulations to ensure that all necessary hazard information is communicated effectively.

In contrast, relying solely on smell, performing test reactions, or judging by color are not safe or accurate methods for identifying chemical hazards. Smelling a chemical can pose acute health risks and might not uncover all hazards. Test reactions could lead to dangerous situations if the chemical is highly reactive or toxic. Color alone does not provide an indication of a chemical's safety or hazard level, as many hazardous substances can be clear, colorless, or have varied colors that do not correlate with their toxicity or reactivity. Thus, consulting the label and SDS is the appropriate approach to ascertain the hazards associated with a chemical.