Check What’s inside a Fire Extinguisher?
Fire extinguishers contain different chemicals, depending on the application. Handheld extinguishers, which are commonly sold at hardware stores for use in the kitchen or garage, are pressurized with nitrogen or carbon dioxide (CO2) to propel a stream of the fire-squelching agent to the fire.
The active material may be a powder such as potassium bicarbonate (KHCO3), liquid water, an evaporating fluorocarbon or the propelling agent itself.
The most effective and common fluorocarbon used until recently for this application had been bromochlorodifluoromethane (CF2ClBr), referred to as halon 1211. By international agreement, however, production of all types of halons ceased in 1994 because the bromine and chlorine atoms in the chemical were found to migrate over time to the stratosphere, where they react to deplete ozone in a very efficient catalytic cycle. (From Scientific American.com)
These days, you will find an improved, ozone-friendly alternative that will effectively extinguish a fire without a harmful residue.
In the event of a fire, a portable fire extinguisher is the best line of defense for stalling a fire while you await the arrival of the fire department. To purchase a fire extinguisher for your home or business, call A&A Fire and Safety today. 501-834-5353 Our team of experts will help you decide on the type and size of fire extinguisher best suited for your needs.
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