Oils of organic origin dry by oxidation and produce heat that can lead to what hazard?

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Multiple Choice

Oils of organic origin dry by oxidation and produce heat that can lead to what hazard?

Explanation:
Oils that dry by oxidation release heat as they cure. In a pile or confined space, that exothermic heat can’t escape quickly enough, causing the temperature to rise. When the temperature reaches the oil’s auto-ignition point, the material can ignite without an external flame—spontaneous combustion. This is the hazard described. Fire would require an external ignition source, and smoldering is a slow burning that typically follows ignition; freezing is unrelated to this chemical process. To prevent spontaneous combustion, spread oily rags out to dissipate heat or store them in a water-filled metal container.

Oils that dry by oxidation release heat as they cure. In a pile or confined space, that exothermic heat can’t escape quickly enough, causing the temperature to rise. When the temperature reaches the oil’s auto-ignition point, the material can ignite without an external flame—spontaneous combustion. This is the hazard described. Fire would require an external ignition source, and smoldering is a slow burning that typically follows ignition; freezing is unrelated to this chemical process. To prevent spontaneous combustion, spread oily rags out to dissipate heat or store them in a water-filled metal container.

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