Is oxygen considered flammable?

Oxygen itself is not considered flammable; it does not ignite or burn on its own. Instead, oxygen is a crucial supporter of combustion. It plays a vital role in the process of fire by allowing other materials that are combustible, such as wood, paper, or certain metals, to burn more readily. Therefore, although oxygen facilitates and enhances burning, labeling it as flammable would be misleading.

Understanding the nature of oxygen in relation to combustion is important in settings where medical gases are stored and used. It helps ensure appropriate safety protocols are followed, as handling oxygen requires vigilance to prevent it from supporting a fire or explosion when in the presence of flammable materials.