Final Answer:
A seemingly harmless chemical can become highly dangerous due to chemical reactions or transformations, producing toxic byproducts with increased reactivity or toxicity.
Step-by-step explanation:
The transformation of chemicals can occur through various processes such as oxidation, reduction, or metabolic conversion. For instance, a compound with low toxicity may undergo biotransformation in living organisms, resulting in the production of metabolites that are more hazardous than the original substance.
Additionally, chemical reactions with other environmental components, such as air pollutants or sunlight, can lead to the generation of reactive intermediates or toxic breakdown products.
Quantifying the increased danger involves considering factors like the toxicity of the original substance, the nature of the transformation, and the concentration of resulting byproducts. Chemical equations and reaction pathways might be involved in a detailed analysis.
Understanding these transformations is crucial for risk assessment, regulatory measures, and the development of safer alternatives in industries to prevent unexpected hazards associated with chemical processes.