How Dangerous is Fire Extinguisher Powder?



Fire extinguishers are generally looked upon as being a safety device, so not many people think about the potential dangers they hold. While fire extinguisher powder is non-toxic, it’s not entirely safe. The chemicals used are considered appropriate for home use, but you should take precautions to avoid touching or inhaling too much of the powder. After a fire, the residue left by a fire extinguisher needs to be cleaned up. Many areas don't permit phosphates or sulfates to be added to the water table. Since the vast majority of fire extinguishers contain ammonium phosphate and/or ammonium sulfate, you need to be careful about cleaning up. The chemicals can irritate skin, so use gloves and avoid inhaling by using a dust mask. You should be able to simply sweep or vacuum the residue up, but don’t forget to get a fire extinguisher inspection, recharge, or buy a new one. You should rinse any dishes or food that has been covered, but if you do get a little on your plate, don’t worry — it won’t hurt you in small amounts and is quite safe to deal with. Usually, in a small fire situation where you would be using one of the commonly seen extinguishers, there would not be enough dust to be breathed in. However, if it does happen, you should go to the hospital. The dust may coat your lungs on the inside, which can prevent oxygen from reaching the rest of the body.