Cooperative Personnel Services Firefighter (CPS) Practice Exam

When combustible powders or dust are dispersed in the air and subsequently ignited, they can lead to significant fire or explosion hazards. This occurs because when the combustible material is finely divided and mixed with air, it creates a larger surface area for combustion, facilitating a much faster and more intense reaction compared to solid forms of the material.

The presence of dust in the air increases the likelihood of a rapid combustion event, as dust particles can ignite easily and, if present in sufficient concentration, can propagate flames and possibly cause a deflagration or even a detonation, depending on the specifics of the material and the environment. This phenomenon showcases the importance of controlling dust in environments where combustible materials are handled, stored, or processed to prevent dangerous incidents.

In contrast to the other options, while shockwaves and enhanced combustion may occur in certain scenarios, they are not guaranteed consequences of simply dispersing and igniting dust. The notion of increasing air quality is irrelevant in this context, as the combustion of combustible dust generally leads to air contamination and does not contribute positively to air quality.