Date: 17 Dec 2001 22:51:26 GMT From: davehinznopsamcop.net Subject: Re: EMT's - question for you
SimonJ <menopsam.com> pressed random keys until the following was produced: > <davehinznopsamcop.net> wrote in message >> >> Is it common knowledge that airbags are packed with a powder that can be >> mistaken for smoke? I've known it so long, it's second-nature to me. >> Some folks are pretty freaked out by it, and some aren't. Tastes nasty, >> by the way, when you inhale it, but it's mostly cornstarch and/or talcum >> powder. >> > I cant see any reason to fill an airbag with powder, also given that airbags > are inflated by an explosive device, seems quite likely that it is smoke. Are you aware that your questions have the tone of accusations? The reason they are packed with powder, is to keep the fabric from sticking while it's deploying. Otherwise, if you pack the bag into the steering wheel for a few years or a decade or two, it'll tend to stick together. The "smoke" you're seeing is a combination of that powder (origianlly talc, but now usually cornstarch), and the residues from the sodium azide propellant (not technically an explosive, BTW). Did you know that the bag will deflate almost immediately? There's mighty big holes in the back of them. Dave Hinz