What does "deactivation" refer to in the context of hazardous materials?

In the context of hazardous materials, "deactivation" specifically pertains to the use of cleaning agents and neutralizers to render hazardous substances non-toxic or less harmful. This process involves introducing specific agents that chemically interact with the hazardous materials to neutralize, break down, or otherwise alter their harmful properties.

For instance, when dealing with certain chemical spills, appropriate neutralizers can transform highly corrosive materials into substances that are less dangerous to handle and can be safely disposed of. The choice of cleaning agents is pivotal, as different types of hazardous materials necessitate different neutralizing agents to effectively deactivate them.

The other options do not accurately capture the meaning of deactivation in this context. Mixing chemicals does not inherently neutralize or deactivate a substance; it could potentially create hazardous reactions. Heat application is primarily used in some decontamination processes but does not directly equate to deactivation. Physical removal of contaminants, while a critical step in managing hazards, simply removes substances rather than chemically altering their characteristics, which is the essence of deactivation.