On Tue, 6 Nov 2001, Eric Dittman wrote:
> > > > 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.
> >
> > 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
> 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_at_dittman.net
> Check out the DEC Enthusiasts Club at http://www.dittman.net/
>
Received on Tue Nov 06 2001 - 18:50:03 GMT