At what altitude can explosive decompression become most dangerous?

Explosive decompression is most dangerous at high altitudes due to the significant difference in pressure between the inside of the pressurized cabin and the surrounding environment. At high altitudes, the atmospheric pressure is markedly lower than at sea level, and if a rapid decompression occurs, the pressure drop can be severe.

When this happens, gases dissolved in the body can expand rapidly, leading to potentially serious physiological effects such as barotrauma, decompression sickness, or even the explosive release of gas from body cavities. The risk increases with altitude because the physiological effects of decompression are magnified; lower temperatures and reduced oxygen levels contribute to increased hazards as well.

In contrast, at low altitudes, the pressure difference is minimal, and while decompression can still be dangerous, the effects are not as dramatic. Medium altitudes also present risks, but they are not as extreme as those experienced at high altitudes. Thus, high altitudes are where explosive decompression poses the most significant danger.