What term describes materials that have the ability to ignite spontaneously?

Pyrophoric materials are specifically defined as substances that can ignite spontaneously when exposed to air or moisture at room temperature. This characteristic sets them apart from other categories of hazardous materials. For instance, while flammable materials also ignite easily, they typically require an external ignition source, such as a spark or flame.

Pyrophoric materials pose significant safety risks because they can ignite without any apparent trigger, which makes handling and storage particularly hazardous. The understanding of pyrophoric materials is crucial for anyone involved in the transportation or management of hazardous materials, as it requires specific safety protocols to prevent unintended ignition.