What is the main danger of using lubricants near oxygen?

The main danger of using lubricants near oxygen lies in their flammability potential. Many lubricants, especially those based on petroleum products or certain synthetic materials, can ignite when exposed to oxygen at high concentrations. Oxygen greatly enhances combustion; therefore, when these lubricants are combined with an oxygen-rich environment, the risk of fire or explosion increases significantly.

Oxygen itself is not flammable, but it supports combustion with great vigor. In medical environments where oxygen is used, it is vital to maintain strict protocols to avoid introducing any flammable substances. This understanding highlights the importance of using only oxygen-safe lubricants if lubrication is necessary during procedures involving oxygen delivery systems to ensure patient safety.

The other options do not capture the primary safety concern associated with using lubricants in the context of oxygen. Pollution of equipment might be a consideration in general maintenance, but it does not represent an immediate danger like flammability does. Loss of therapeutic effect and incompatibility with other gases are also relevant, but they are secondary to the critical issue of fire safety in an oxygen-rich environment.