What is a significant hazard of highly explosive materials when oxygen is present?

The significant hazard of highly explosive materials when oxygen is present is ignition and explosion. When explosive materials are combined with an adequate supply of oxygen, their potential for combustion increases dramatically. Oxygen is a key component in the combustion process; it acts as an oxidizer that supports the rapid oxidation of the explosive substance. If an ignition source, such as heat or a spark, is present, the mixture can ignite and lead to a violent explosion.

The phenomenon is largely due to the nature of explosive materials, which are designed to release energy rapidly. In the presence of oxygen, this energy release can occur almost instantaneously, resulting in an explosive reaction. Understanding this hazard is critical in environments where explosive materials are handled or stored, as proper safety measures must be in place to prevent accidents that could arise from such a volatile combination.