Peroxide formation occurs in many common laboratory chemicals when the chemical naturally decomposes to peroxides, which are unstable and capable of detonation in even low concentrations. Oxygen taken from air, water, or impurities is incorporated into the chemical structure, forming peroxides. This is an insidious reaction since it happens in ambient conditions and without a visible by-product. It makes peroxide-forming chemicals some of the most hazardous materials found in the laboratory Incompatibles or oxidizers may be stable on their own, but when mixed with the wrong chemical, may react vigorously. Shock sensitive chemicals may explode with slight movement or heat.
Some chemicals are by nature shock sensitive.
Others become shock sensitive through drying, aging, decomposition, or reaction. High explosives detonate with a shock wave that travels faster than the speed of sound. The shock wave carries enough energy that it can knock over walls, break windows and compress the lungs and heart to stop function. These cause extreme damage and even death. There are a number of general storage and handling precautions that will reduce risk and protect employees who must use reactives.