It is a hazardous waste characteristic which applies to aqueous solution with a pH less than or equal to 2 or greater than or equal to 12.5.

• A. Corrosivity
• B. Toxicity
• C. Ignitability
• D. Reactivity

Answer: (A)

Extreme acidity or basicity in an aqueous waste defines the corrosivity characteristic. If a solution has a pH of 2 or less, or 12.5 or more, it is considered corrosive because such strong acidity or basicity can corrode metals, degrade containers, and cause severe skin burns or eye damage. This pH-based criterion is specifically used to identify wastes that pose corrosive hazards and require appropriate handling and containment.

Other hazardous-waste characteristics describe different dangers: toxicity relates to harmful contaminants that may leach into the environment; ignitability concerns flammable or combustible properties (often tied to flash point); reactivity covers wastes that are unstable or react violently with water or other materials.