American Chemical Society (ACS) Laboratory Safety Practice Test

Improper handling of organic peroxides can lead to a significant risk of explosion or fire, which is why the correct answer identifies this potential hazard. Organic peroxides are highly reactive compounds that can decompose explosively, especially when they are heated, contaminated, or exposed to shock. The presence of conditions like an increase in temperature or physical damage can trigger their decomposition, resulting in the release of gases or heat, which can lead to violent explosions or ignition of surrounding materials.

Organic peroxides are often used as initiators in polymerization reactions and can be sensitive to light and air, adding to their reactive nature. Proper storage and handling protocols, including maintaining them at appropriate temperatures and protecting them from potential contaminants, are critical for safety in a laboratory setting.

The other options do not accurately reflect the risks associated with organic peroxides. While it may be true that some compounds can evaporate safely under certain conditions, organic peroxides cannot be treated with such assumptions due to their instability. Additionally, the notion that they cause only skin irritation underestimates the severe risks they pose; they can indeed cause more serious bodily harm such as burns or serious injuries. Lastly, the idea that concentrated organic peroxides pose no risk is misleading,