What are three basic methods for controlling hazardous material releases?

The selection of absorption, containment, and neutralization as the three basic methods for controlling hazardous material releases is grounded in essential strategies used to mitigate spills and leaks of hazardous substances effectively.

Absorption involves using materials that can soak up liquid contaminants, making them easier to manage and preventing further spread of the hazardous material. Common agents for absorption include materials like sawdust or commercial absorbent pads.

Containment refers to physically enclosing the hazardous material to prevent it from dispersing into the environment. This could involve using barriers, such as plastic sheeting or berms, to trap the material and limit exposure to people and the surrounding environment.

Neutralization is a chemical process used to alter the hazardous nature of the substance, typically by reacting the hazardous material with another substance to produce a less harmful product. This is particularly important for acids and bases, where neutralization can render them safe for disposal.

The other options, while they include practices relevant to hazardous materials, do not represent the core methods for immediate control during a hazardous release situation. For instance, incineration, filtration, and encapsulation focus on treatment and disposal rather than direct containment and management of a spill. Likewise, recycling and disposal relate to end-of-life management of materials rather than immediate emergency response.