What fire risk does compressed medical oxygen present in hospital environments?

Compressed medical oxygen significantly increases fire intensity in hospital environments. Oxygen itself is not flammable, meaning it does not catch fire on its own, but it greatly supports combustion. When the concentration of oxygen in the environment rises, the rate of combustion can become much more intense. This means that materials that might normally smolder or burn slowly in normal air can ignite more easily and burn more rapidly when there is an increased presence of oxygen.

This characteristic is particularly crucial in medical settings where oxygen is often administered to patients, and there may be various combustible materials present, such as linens, medical equipment coverings, and personal items. Understanding that increased oxygen levels enhance fire behavior is essential for implementing proper precautions and safety measures in hospitals.

In contrast, the other options misrepresent the nature of the risk associated with compressed medical oxygen. While it is not flammable on its own, its ability to increase fire intensity poses a significant hazard that must be managed carefully to prevent fire incidents in healthcare facilities.