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Antiques! => Antique Questions Forum => Topic started by: silentbry on April 09, 2010, 12:16:34 PM
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Looking for as much information as I can on these antique 'fire bomb's' / fire extinguishers'.
Still have the liquid in them. Have 2 out of the 3 in the case.
Looking for any history/value anyone knows of. Thank you in advance.
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Welcome Silentbry, There was a thread a few months ago here about these, I din't remember all the detail, and sure someone will pipe up about these. Once again Welcome and thanks for posting
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This is the thread that may give you a bit more information, Scroll down about half way.
http://www.antique-shop.com/forums/index.php?topic=5315.msg15661#msg15661
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These are dangerous...so be careful!
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thank you guys. Yes, I actually did read that previous thread. Being that my 'bomb's are quite different looking, I was just curious if anyone had any info on the ones I had specifically or not. Curious if they are still worth a lot as the other one in previous thread maybe was or not? Also, 'KC', how dangerous are they, so I know if I just need to get them out of my house?!
Thank you again everyone.
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Carbon Tetrachloride is very dangerous when it is exposed to high heat - producing phosgene.
"Phosgene is an insidious poison as the odor may not be noticed and symptoms may be slow to appear.[13] Phosgene can be detected at 0.4 ppm, which is four times the Threshold Limit Value. Its high toxicity arises by the action of the phosgene on the proteins in the pulmonary alveoli, which are the site of gas exchange: their damage disrupts the blood-air barrier causing suffocation. Its toxicity arises from its reaction with the amines of the proteins, causing crosslinking via formation of urea-like linkages, in accord with the reactions discussed above. Phosgene detection badges are worn by those at risk of exposure.[2]
Sodium bicarbonate may be used to neutralise liquid spills of phosgene. Gaseous spills may be mitigated with ammonia.[14]"
If that is what is in your "extinguiser bomb" get rid of it - if you don't know - get rid of it!
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I think what KC means by "get rid of it" is to take it to a hazardous waste depository and let them handle it. We have one in our county for all types of old chemicals, paint, oil, gasoline, etc. Much safer than chucking in the garbage.
I have seen quite a few of these old glass globe extinguishers at auctions and always wondered what was in them. I would not want to be around when one is accidently dropped that is for sure.