What is the relationship between flammable range and the danger of a substance?

The concept of flammable range is crucial in understanding the potential danger of a substance. Flammable range refers to the concentration of a substance in the air that can ignite or explode when exposed to an ignition source. A wider flammable range means that the substance can ignite over a larger spectrum of concentrations, which increases its potential risk in terms of creating an explosive or flammable environment.

When a substance has a wide flammable range, it presents a greater danger because it can remain flammable over more conditions. Even small changes in concentration could allow for an ignition to occur. Conversely, substances with a narrow flammable range are usually only dangerous within a very specific concentration threshold, which may limit the scenarios in which they can ignite.

Understanding this relationship is essential for evaluating risks in hazardous materials operations, facilitating safer handling, storage, and response protocols. In essence, a wider flammable range means greater vigilance and precaution is required, confirming the increased danger associated with such materials.