Why is liquid oxygen so hazardous?
Oxygen is a necessary element for human survival, but in its super-cooled liquid form, it can only be produced, used and handled by trained professionals for scientific or industrial use.Extreme ColdLiquid oxygen only exists in a super-cooled state, well below freezing. If it comes into contact with human skin, it will instantly produce the same symptoms as a thermal burn and be extremely painful upon thawing.AsphyxiationIf liquid oxygen evaporates into a cooled gas, it will settle on the floor and displace whatever air it comes into contact with. If temperatures are low enough, it may even liquefy the air around it. This is dangerous in a confined space and can displace all breathable air, causing asphyxiation.FlammabilityOxygen is an extremely flammable element that is super concentrated when liquefied. This can make any object that comes in contact with it, flammable or not, highly flammable as well. This includes the cast iron and steel containers used to store it, or even the air
