Texas Pesticide Applicator Practice Exam

How should you store opened containers of chlorates?

1. Store it in the same location as other chemicals

2. Store in a cool, dry place

3. Do not store at all

4. Seal and store for future use

The correct answer is: Do not store at all

Chlorates are highly reactive and can be quite hazardous due to their potential to cause fires and explosions under certain conditions. For safety reasons, it is critical to handle chlorates with caution, especially once containers have been opened. When a container of chlorates is opened, the integrity of the product may be compromised, increasing the risk of unwanted reactions. The safest approach is to avoid storing opened containers of chlorates altogether. This limits the amount of time that the chemical is exposed to environmental conditions that could lead to instability or degradation. Properly managing the storage of hazardous materials like chlorates eliminates potential hazards and ensures compliance with safety regulations. In contrast, other suggested storage methods, such as storing in a cool, dry place or sealing and storing for future use, may still pose risks if there are any contaminants, moisture, or additional chemicals present with the chlorates. Given the risks associated with their reactivity, eliminating the storage of opened containers is the safest and most prudent option.