How should you store opened containers of chlorates?

When considering the storage of opened containers of chlorates, the most effective practice involves acknowledging their potential hazards and ensuring safety. Chlorates are highly reactive chemicals that can be extremely hazardous if not handled correctly. Their instability can lead to decomposition and even explosive reactions if exposed to certain conditions.

The first correct approach is to minimize risk by simply avoiding the storage of opened containers. This is crucial because once a container is opened, the integrity of the product is compromised, and it might be more susceptible to moisture, contamination, or improper handling that could lead to dangerous situations.

In general, if it’s essential to store opened containers, certain conditions might be emphasized, such as storing in a cool, dry place, keeping them away from sunlight, or sealing and refrigerating them. However, in the case of chlorates, these measures may still not be sufficient to ensure safety, which makes the recommendation against storing them quite significant. This underscores the importance of following safety protocols and best practices when dealing with highly reactive substances like chlorates.