What do some experts state is the primary cause of all corrosion problems?

Oxygen is often identified as a primary cause of corrosion problems due to its essential role in the oxidation process. When metals are exposed to oxygen, especially in the presence of moisture, they undergo chemical reactions that can lead to the formation of oxides. This phenomenon is particularly pronounced in environments where there are varying humidity levels or in aqueous conditions, where water acts as an electrolyte facilitating the corrosion process.

In many cases, the presence of dissolved oxygen in water accelerates rusting and other forms of corrosion that metals may experience. This is why oxygen is considered a critical factor; it not only initiates the corrosion process but also sustains it by reacting with the metal surface. Other factors such as pH levels, temperature, and the presence of other substances can influence the rate and severity of corrosion, but they do not serve as the fundamental cause in the same way that oxygen does.