Whenever an airbag deploys, the occupants are subjected to an array of chemicals and
substances foreign to most people. New information regarding these combustibles is
now available. We have learned of potentially harmful side effects as airbags continue
to evolve.
Here is some of the information regarding these issues and common misconceptions.
Before a Deployment
This is the most dangerous time to handle an airbag! The air bag inflater cartridges
contain an explosive chemical, sodium azide. This is the same chemical used in
making solid rocket propellants.
If the air bag has not been deployed, this material can be dangerous to handle. It can
explode, it can cause burns if it gets on unprotected skin, and it can severely irritate the
lungs if inhaled. These units are sealed from the factory and should never be opened,
or tampered with. They are a "replacement only" item.
The danger is amplified if sodium azide comes in contact with heavy metals in the car,
such as lead and copper, because these may react to form a volatile explosive
NaN3 + H2O ---> HN3 + NaOH.
But most importantly, when sodium azide (NaNO3)is mixed with water (sweat or
tears) it forms hydrazoic acid (HN3)a highly toxic, becomes airborne easily and is
potentially explosive. The other byproduct is Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH) and this
is the one that hurts!
Here is a list of the medical information available regarding Sodium Hydroxide
Potential Health Effects
Inhalation:
Severe irritant. Effects from inhalation of dust or mist vary from mild irritation to serious damage of the upper respiratory tract, depending on severity of exposure. Symptoms may include sneezing, sore throat or runny nose. Severe pneumonitis may occur.
Ingestion:
Corrosive! Swallowing may cause severe burns of mouth, throat, and stomach. Severe scarring of tissue and death may result. Symptoms may include bleeding, vomiting, diarrhea, fall in blood pressure. Damage may appear days after exposure.
Skin Contact:
Corrosive! Contact with skin can cause irritation or severe burns and scarring with greater exposures.
Eye Contact:
Corrosive! Causes irritation of eyes, and with greater exposures it can cause burns that may result in
permanent impairment of vision, even blindness.
Chronic Exposure:
Prolonged contact with dilute solutions or dust has a destructive effect upon tissue.
Aggravation of Pre-existing Conditions:
Persons with pre-existing skin disorders or eye problems or impaired respiratory function may be more
susceptible to the effects of the substance.
During a Deployment
Airbags use cornstarch or some other powder to help lubricate them. The powder floats
around in a cloud for a few minutes after the airbag is deployed, and that looks like
smoke. Although the airbag cloud is usually harmless and is not a fire or fire hazard,
there have been reported cases of the airbag itself catching fire during a deployment.
The smoky cloud may cause mild respiratory distress. If you have trouble breathing,
step away from the cloud to get to fresh air.
There are also serious and physical dangers reported by hundreds of accident victims.
Scrapes from the abrasive material and burns from the high heat during deployment are
among the most common complaints and concerns.
After a Deployment
If the air bags have been deployed, handling and disposing of the airbag is no longer
dangerous, and you will not have to take special handling precautions.
If the vehicle is going to a salvage yard, laws in most states require the airbags to be
manually deployed.
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