Nitro glycerine based explosives certainly have an almondy/ marizpany smell
before detonation.
The post explosion nasties would include nitrous fumes which appear as a
brownish wispy smoke and are fairly obvious. I suspect that the real killer
is not the dynamite fumes but carbon monoxide which is a by product of
explosive use and is often referred to as after damp. Also present may be
increased levels of carbon dioxide, known as black damp or choke damp,
which, whilst not poisonous in itself, is harmful in that it replaces
oxygen and, therefore, has a suffocating effect. Both carbon monoxide and
carbon dioxide are odourless and colourless.
Rick Stewart
----- Original Message -----
From: "Roger Baden Bradford" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Sunday, May 03, 2009 11:14 PM
Subject: Dynamite Fumes
Fellow Listers
I wonder if some one can tell me what the fumes of dynamite smell like!!!!
I should explain that in my researching I have come across a number of
wellsinker's death's from suffocation, due to dynamite fumes, in wells in
the period 1880-1884.
I have recorded dynamite exploding from a distance, but on examining the
site minuets later can not recollect any particular odour!! {in a quarry}.
My interest is WHY if the smell is strong, would the wellsinker return too
soon after the charge went off!!!!!!!
I have faint memories that Dynamite Sticks had the faint odour of
Marzipan!!!!!
Can anyone please advise me re' the above.
Take Care.
Roger B Bradford of South Australia
--
No virus found in this incoming message.
Checked by AVG.
Version: 7.5.557 / Virus Database: 270.12.11/2089 - Release Date: 30/04/2009
17:53
|