In which situations are alcohols considered to be hazardous?

Alcohols are often considered hazardous primarily due to their flammability. Many alcohols have relatively low flash points, which means they can easily ignite and sustain combustion. This poses a significant risk in various environments, especially in laboratories or industrial settings where alcohols may be used in large quantities or in the presence of open flames or heat sources.

While concentrated alcohols can indeed be more hazardous because of their higher concentration, the general property of flammability applies to all concentrations. Mixing alcohols with water does not inherently make them hazardous; in fact, many alcohols are soluble in water and their mixed solutions are often used safely. Exposure to air alone is not typically a direct hazard associated with alcohols, as it is the reaction of alcohols with heat or ignition sources that leads to danger.

Understanding the inherent risk of flammability helps in managing and mitigating hazards associated with the use of alcohols in practical applications, making it a crucial point for anyone working with these substances.