What is a major danger associated with ammonium nitrate?

Ammonium nitrate is primarily known for its use in fertilizers and as an explosive material in mining and construction. One of the major dangers associated with ammonium nitrate is its potential to produce a violent reaction, which can lead to explosions. This risk is particularly significant when ammonium nitrate is exposed to heat, contaminants, or improper storage conditions. In addition to explosions, if ammonium nitrate decomposes, it can also release poisonous gases, contributing to its classification as a dangerous chemical.

Understanding the explosive nature of ammonium nitrate is critical for safety in fire departments and emergency response teams, as it necessitates specific handling and storage protocols to prevent accidents. This danger is much more relevant than hazards like chemical burns, which are less critical in the context of ammonium nitrate, and different from electrical hazards or structural collapse, which are unrelated to the chemical properties of ammonium nitrate.