Why is maintaining the stowage temperature for WP critical?

Maintaining the stowage temperature for white phosphorus (WP) is critical primarily to avoid potential hazards. WP is highly reactive and can ignite spontaneously upon exposure to air, especially at higher temperatures. When WP is stored at elevated temperatures, the risk of unwanted ignition increases, posing significant safety threats not only to personnel handling the substance but also to the ship itself. Proper temperature control helps to mitigate these risks, ensuring the safety of the crew and the integrity of the vessel.

While the other choices address some relevant factors, such as operational effectiveness and degradation, the primary concern with WP is ensuring that it remains stable and does not pose a fire hazard, which is why controlling the stowage temperature is essential.