What type of observation might indicate a chemical reaction has occurred during a hazardous materials incident?

The generation of heat is a strong indicator that a chemical reaction has occurred during a hazardous materials incident. Many chemical reactions are exothermic, meaning they release heat as a byproduct. This increase in temperature can be indicative of a reaction taking place, whether it’s combustion, decomposition, or another type of reaction.

In addition to heat generation, observations such as the release of vapor can also signify a chemical reaction, as certain reactions produce gaseous byproducts. However, heat generation is a more definitive indicator, as it is a clear sign of a reaction occurring. The presence of noise and visible debris could potentially indicate a disturbance but are less reliable indicators of an actual chemical process taking place.