Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of oxygen?

Oxygen is indeed a colorless, tasteless, and odorless gas, which are all characteristics that help define its nature. These properties are important in medical and industrial settings, as they highlight the gas's purity and the absence of sensory cues that could indicate contamination or the presence of impurities.

The characteristic of being flammable is where the distinction lies. While oxygen itself is not flammable, it is an oxidizer that supports combustion. This means that while oxygen does not ignite by itself, it can enhance and accelerate the combustion of other materials. It is crucial to understand this property in contexts where oxygen is used, such as in medical administrations or environments with flammable materials, to ensure safety protocols are strictly followed.

Understanding these properties is vital for anyone working in medical gas administration, as they dictate how oxygen should be stored, handled, and utilized to promote both efficacy in treatment and safety in practice.