What is the danger involved in ammonium nitrate?

Ammonium nitrate is primarily recognized as an oxidizing agent that can become dangerously unstable under certain conditions, especially when exposed to heat or contamination. This substance can undergo rapid decomposition, leading to explosions if it is improperly handled or stored, particularly in large quantities.

While ammonium nitrate is not flammable itself, it can react with combustible materials, which can contribute to the risk of explosive incidents. Moreover, during an explosion or fire involving ammonium nitrate, there may be the release of toxic gases such as nitrogen oxides, posing additional hazards to health and safety. This complexity makes the potential risk of poisonous gas release and explosion central to understanding the dangers associated with ammonium nitrate.

In contrast, the other options do not fully capture the most pressing threats related to ammonium nitrate. High flammability is not correct because the substance itself does not burn easily. Electrical hazards and high toxicity to aquatic life, while valid concerns in certain contexts, are not the primary dangers associated with ammonium nitrate compared to the risk of explosion and toxic gas release. Therefore, the correct response centers around the explosive potential and the possibility of harmful emissions that can result from mishandling ammonium nitrate.