Which of the following is NOT an example of inactivation?

Inactivation refers to the processes used to reduce or eliminate the harmful effects of hazardous substances, particularly in the context of hazardous waste management. The correct choice—washing with detergent—does not fit the definition of inactivation because it primarily serves to remove contaminants from surfaces rather than to neutralize or deactivate them chemically.

Detergents work by emulsifying and suspending grease, oils, and dirt, allowing them to be washed away, but they do not inherently change the chemical structure of hazardous materials or reduce their toxicity.

On the other hand, oxidation, neutralization, and solidification are methods specifically designed to change the harmful characteristics of waste. Oxidation can chemically alter hazardous substances leading to their breakdown; neutralization refers to the chemical reaction that transforms acids and bases into less harmful substances; and solidification involves altering liquids into a solid state to prevent leaching and potential exposure to hazardous components. Each of these processes actively contributes to the reduction of risk associated with hazardous materials, while washing with detergent does not serve this purpose.