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662 HAZWOPER for General Site Workers III
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Vapor Pressure

The pressure exerted by a vapor against the sides of a closed container is called "vapor pressure."

Vapor Pressure

Vapor pressure is temperature dependent; as the temperature increases, so does the vapor pressure. Vapor pressure is important for two reasons:

  • If a chemical has a high vapor pressure, more of it will be in the air than a chemical with low vapor pressure. If the material is toxic or flammable, the vapors are extremely dangerous.
  • The higher the vapor pressure of a chemical in a sealed container the more likely it is to burst as the temperature rises.

Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.

3-2. If a chemical in a sealed container has a high vapor pressure, what is it more likely to do as the temperature rises?