Which type of materials must be handled with extreme caution due to their spontaneous combustion risk?

Pyrophoric materials are substances that can ignite spontaneously upon exposure to air at room temperature. This characteristic makes them particularly dangerous and necessitates extreme caution during handling and storage. Unlike flammable materials, which require an external ignition source, pyrophoric substances can ignite without any additional heat or spark, posing significant risks in laboratory and industrial settings.

These materials are often reactive and can produce hazardous situations if not managed properly. Safety measures for handling pyrophoric materials include storing them in inert atmospheres, utilizing proper personal protective equipment (PPE), and ensuring that they are kept away from oxygen and humidity to minimize the risk of accidental ignition. Recognizing the special nature of pyrophoric materials helps to understand the importance of stringent safety protocols in order to prevent uncontrolled reactions.