What is a primary concern when using oil or grease near oxygen?

The primary concern when using oil or grease near oxygen is that it might cause an explosion. Oxygen is a highly reactive element that can significantly enhance the combustion of flammable materials. When oil or grease, which are carbon-based substances, come into contact with a source of ignition in the presence of oxygen, the likelihood of a rapid combustion reaction – and potentially an explosion – increases dramatically. This is particularly critical in environments where high concentrations of oxygen are present, as the reduced ignition temperatures allow for more volatile reactions.

When considering oil or grease in the context of oxygen, the risk associated with an explosive reaction surpasses concerns related to merely starting a fire or reducing the effectiveness of oxygen. While those factors are certainly relevant, they do not pose as immediate and severe a risk as the potential for an explosive situation. Understanding the reactivity of materials in the presence of oxygen is crucial for ensuring safety in environments where these substances are used.