What is the term for a process where toxic chemicals are rendered harmless?

The process where toxic chemicals are rendered harmless is known as neutralization. Neutralization typically involves a chemical reaction, such as when acids and bases react together to form water and a salt, which significantly reduces the harmful properties of the substances involved. This process is crucial in environments where hazardous materials need to be safely managed and often involves specific measures to ensure that the resulting substances are non-toxic and safe for the environment.

While disposal involves the removal of hazardous materials, it does not imply that the chemicals are rendered harmless; they might simply be relocated to a landfill or storage facility. Decontamination, on the other hand, is more focused on removing or neutralizing contaminants from surfaces or individuals, rather than transforming the harmful properties of the chemicals themselves. Demilitarization refers to the process of reducing or eliminating a nation’s military capabilities, often through disarmament, which is not specifically related to rendering toxic chemicals harmless.

Thus, neutralization distinctly captures the essence of transforming toxic chemicals into non-hazardous forms through chemical reactions, making it the accurate answer.