What is an environmental hazard that compressed gas containers must be protected from?

Compressed gas containers must be protected from temperature extremes because extreme temperatures can lead to increased pressure inside the containers. When gas is heated, it expands, potentially causing the container to rupture or explode if the pressure exceeds its designed limits. Conversely, extremely low temperatures can cause problems such as the solidification of certain gases. Therefore, maintaining the temperature within a safe range is critical to ensure the integrity of the pressure container and prevent accidents in the laboratory setting.

The other options, while important in their own contexts, do not pose as direct a threat to the structural integrity of compressed gas containers as temperature extremes do.