Picric acid is used in the production of explosives, matches, and electric batteries. It is also used in etching copper and manufacturing colored glass, in the leather industry, and in the synthesis of dyes. Picric acid is very unstable and is a flammmable/combustible material. It may be ignited by heat, sparks, or flames. Dried-out picric acid may explode if expose to heat, flame, friction, or shock, and should be treated as an explosive. Picric acid can react vigorously with oxidizing materials, and it can form unstable salts with concrete, ammonia, bases, and metals.