What is the effect of opening the external unit pack of items stored in unit-of-issue packaging?

Opening the external unit pack of items stored in unit-of-issue packaging can compromise the item’s quality due to exposure to environmental conditions such as moisture, air, and light. Unit-of-issue packaging is specifically designed to protect and preserve the integrity of the items until they are needed. Once the packaging is compromised, there is a risk of degradation in quality, which can include contamination, loss of potency, or other changes that may make the item less effective or unusable.

In contrast, while providing easier access to items might be seen as a benefit, it does not address the potential risks associated with quality compromise. Similarly, the notion that opening the unit pack could extend the shelf life is misleading, as shelf life is determined by the protective measures in place, which are negated once the packaging is opened. The idea that opening the pack could render items unsafe is not a direct consequence of unpacking in every case; some items may remain safe but have diminished quality. Thus, the most accurate assessment of the impact of opening the external unit pack focuses on how it can compromise the item's quality.