Airbag Handling and Storage

Put on a pair of shop gloves and safety glasses to protect your hands and eyes from possible irritation and heat when handling the deployed air bag assembly.

Driver Airbag Assembly
After the air bag assembly has been deployed, the surface of the air bag may contain a powdery residue. This powder consists primarily of cornstarch (used to lubricate the bag as it inflates) and by products of the chemical reaction. Sodium hydroxide dust (similar to lye soap) is produced as a by product of the deployment reaction. The sodium hydroxide then quickly reacts with atmospheric moisture and is converted to sodium carbonate and sodium bicarbonate (baking soda). Therefore, it is unlikely that sodium hydroxide will be present after deployment.


Passenger Airbag Assembly
The passenger inflator requires no special precaution after deployment. 95% of the particulate emission are potassium chloride (KCL), which is commonly sold as an edible salt-substitutes. even if water is applied. Post deployment products are relatively pH neutral. Disposing the inflator by burying it in a landfill will not products any hazardous products. As with any dusty environment, safety goggles, dust mask and gloves should be worn.