In the field of catalysis, safety hazards can arise from several sources, including chemical reactivity, toxicity, and physical conditions. Key hazards include:
- Chemical Reactivity: Catalysts can interact with various substances to produce highly reactive intermediates. - Toxicity: Many catalysts, especially metal-based ones, are toxic and can pose serious health risks. - Thermal Hazards: Catalytic reactions often involve exothermic processes that can lead to overheating and even explosions. - Pressure Hazards: High-pressure conditions are frequently used in catalytic reactions, which can result in mechanical failures or explosions.
