Question 238Safety & Environmental - Assistant Engineer

The correct answer is D) Oxidation. Oxidation is the process where a substance reacts with oxygen, which can produce sufficient heat to cause spontaneous ignition. During oxidation, the chemical reaction between the substance and oxygen releases energy in the form of heat. If this heat buildup is not dissipated, it can reach the point of spontaneous ignition, where the material ignites without an external ignition source. The other options, such as aeration, anaerobic decomposition, and putrefaction, do not directly produce the heat required for spontaneous ignition. These processes may contribute to heat generation, but they are not the primary mechanisms that can lead to spontaneous ignition.