From: maedhros@yabbs
To: all@yabbs
Subject: nitrates
Date: Fri Jan 28 16:54:51 1994

Just a quick chemical note on nitrates:

While nitrates make the most popular ingredient in explosives, this is 
because of its inherently unstable state.  For you home chemists, nitrate 
is still an ideal substance, as its cheap, effective and easy to get to 
acquire.  On the other hand, there are some precautions you should take 
when handling it.

1.  If you are creating a compound, do it in a well ventilated area.  With 
a mixture this isn't necessary, as you're not altering the nitrates 
structure.  To tell if its a mixture or a compound, look at it when 
mixing.  If you can still make out the nitrate substance, then you're ok.  
On the other hand, if the nitrate dissappears, it's probably a compound.  
Many of these compounds form low-level toxins.  It probavbly won't kill 
you, but it'll give you a hell of a headache.  

2.  Mix with plastic utensils.  Many nitrates will go off at the drop of a 
hat (some will even go of if you drtop them).  So handle them gently and 
use plastic to avoid creating static electricity that might set it off.

Granted, most low-level explosives aren't that dangerous.  However, you 
might as well play it safe if you don't know what you are working with.  
Have fun you anarchists you!!!

p.s.  It's always preferrable, if possible, to find out what by-products 
are given off in advance so you can take appropriate precautions.  If you 
can, consult a chemical reactions text for appropriate precautions.

Later,

  Maedhros  /\
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