Ignitable Materials A material that poses a fire hazard during routine handling and management is considered an ignitable material. Items in the home that are ignitable pose a serious threat in storage. A sample list of common household items that are ignitable includes gasoline, kerosene, diesel fuel, ammunition, matches, and items containing alcohol. Reactive Materials Reactive materials are materials that tend to react spontaneously, to react vigorously with air or water, to be unstable when exposed to shock or heat, to generate toxic gases, or to explode even during routine management. Reactive items must be stored carefully.
Some drain cleaners rely on the reactive process.
They may contain sodium bisulfate, which, when mixed with water, makes a weak sulfuric acid. Bleach and many scrubbing and dishwashing detergents that contain chlorine bleach should not be allowed to come in contact with ammonia, lye, or acids. Toxic materials are those materials that may release toxicants or poisons in sufficient quantities to pose a substantial hazard to human health. Most cupboards are full of toxic materials. From air fresheners to carpet deodorizers, medicines to vitamins, mothballs to oven cleaners, the potential poisons are numerous.