Causes of Chemical Fires

Chemicals and their vapors can be highly flammable and explosive. Chemical fires can cause property destruction, injuries and death. The smoke from these fires, and the fumes from the chemicals, can result in long- and short-term health problems for large populations. Inhaled irritants in the smoke can cause pulmonary edema, coughing, hypoxia and choking. Eye and skin irritation is also a concern when these chemicals burn. Understanding which chemicals can ignite and what causes them to burn is the first step in preventing these dangerous fires.

Azides

• When azides are exposed to heat sources such as light, heat and pressure they quickly degrade. These substances, used in making antibacterial solutions, are potentially explosive. An accidental encounter with lead or copper could cause a violent explosion. Sodium azide should never be mixed with any substance without careful research first, and should never be combined with heavy metals, bromine, carbon disulfide or Bronstead acids as it will react violently.

Ether

• Ether has a low boiling point, therefore it evaporates quickly. Ether and its fumes are flammable and potentially explosive. Ether is used in anesthesia and dimethyl ether as a refrigerant in medical procedures. Another use is as a solvent for gums, oils, resins and fats. It can also be utilized as a fuel in welding. However it is used, caution should be taken to keep it away from cigarettes, sparks and open flames.

Perchloric Acid

• Perchloric acid is a clear, odorless liquid used in laboratories as a reagent, a chemical added to other chemicals to see how the other chemical reacts. This acid can ignite with exposure to cellulose products including cotton, wood and paper. Additionally, when allowed to dry on surfaces such as brick, fabric and wood it is susceptible to catch fire when impacted. Fires can be avoided by working on surfaces resistant to chemicals.

Picric Acid

• This explosive chemical is one of the most dangerous reagent used in laboratories. It can be detonated by impact, friction or heat. The solid form is classified as flammable and when diluted with less than 30 percent water it is highly explosive. When mixed with more than 30 percent water this odorless, pale yellow crystal is less volatile. Even more explosive and sensitive to shock is the picrate salts formed when the acid is combined with ammonia, copper, concrete, zinc, salts, plaster and lead.

Petroleum Products

• Petroleum products include gasoline, diesel, kerosene, lubricating oil and fuel oils. Gasoline is highly volatile and flammable. Fuel oils and lubricating oil are not as volatile and have moderate flash points. Widely used in homes without electricity and for camping, kerosene is flammable and potentially explosive. All petroleum products should be used in well-ventilated areas and be kept away from electrostatic charges, open flames, sparks and lit cigarettes to prevent fires and explosions.

Warnings

• Do not attempt to experiment in creating a chemical fire.

  Research the dangers of any chemical before use.

  These chemicals have other properties that can cause injury to humans. Follow all precautions listed on chemical packaging, as well as workplace precautions.