What constitutes a chemical that is defined as an oxidizer?

A chemical is defined as an oxidizer if it is capable of yielding oxygen or promoting combustion. This is significant because oxidizers can enhance the fire and explosion risks when they come into contact with flammable materials. Their role in fire chemistry is to support the combustion process by supplying oxygen to fuel sources, which can lead to more intense and uncontrollable fires.

Understanding this definition helps in laboratory safety, particularly when working with flammable gases, as it highlights the need for safe storage and handling practices to prevent unintended reactions. In contrast, materials that are inherently safe, only react at high temperatures, or have no reactivity do not meet the criteria of an oxidizer, as they do not contribute to combustion or increase fire hazards.