6 Nov
2001
6 Nov
'01
10:50 a.m.
On Tue, 6 Nov 2001, Eric Dittman wrote:
So they say. It also has some other nifty qualities like forming
phosgene gas (think WW-I) when applied to a hot surface.
I wonder how many accidental poisonings occurred?
A number, I would imagine, and especially in tight quarters. I got
exposed to some briefly during the `40s when the paper wrapping on some
decorative steel plate caught fire and the people nearest used a Carbon
Tet extinguisher to put it out. Rather pungent as I recall, so it does
provide some warning.
Also in that same era we used to degrease various components of
Resnatron Radar jamming with carbon tet and acetone bare handed. No one
thought a thing of it except for the way it degreased your hide!
- don
Carbon
Tetrachloride is what Carbona spot remover was. I think they've
either outlawed it or just taken it from the market for consumers.
I seem to remember carbon tetrachloride is a carcinogen. I remember old chemistry sets came with sodium
ferrocyanide. The
bottles all said "DO NOT MIX WITH ACID" with no explanation given,
which probably lead to a few children trying it to see what happens.
Fortunately the acids available in the chemistry sets weren't very
concentrated, as a strong acid mixed with sodium ferrocyanide can
produce cyanide gas, esp. when the solution is exposed to heat or
direct sunlight. Also fortunate is the bond between the iron and
the cyanide in sodium ferrocyanide is very strong.
I wonder if children's chemistry sets still come with all the
interesting chemicals?
--
Eric Dittman
dittman(a)dittman.net
Check out the DEC Enthusiasts Club at http://www.dittman.net/