What type of environment should oil samples be avoided in to ensure their integrity?

To ensure the integrity of oil samples, they should be avoided in a hot and humid environment. High temperatures can accelerate chemical reactions and lead to the degradation of the oil, while humidity can introduce moisture that may alter the sample’s properties or promote biological growth. Both conditions can compromise the reliability of the sample for laboratory analysis, which is crucial for accurate assessments of oil quality, contamination, or other important characteristics.

Maintaining samples in stable and dry conditions, or in dark and cool environments, is preferable as these conditions help preserve the chemical composition and prevent any unwanted reactions. Secure and locked environments are important for preventing tampering or contamination but do not directly impact the integrity of the samples during storage in comparison to temperature and humidity factors.