Rescue Myths

MYTH - Air bags contain an Explosive Solid that can react like a cannon in a fire.

FACT - Today's air bag modules are a "Flammable Solid," not an explosive. Rapid burning of the solid chemical inflates the air bag(s) with nitrogen. Air bags do not explode in a crash or a fire.

MYTH - Rescuers must wait 10 to 20 minutes before approaching a vehicle with a deployed air bag, to allow for cooling and venting time. FACT - Do not delay. The steering wheel rim and column, and air bag fabric will not be hot. "Smoke" from a deployment should not be a concern.

MYTH - Rescue personnel may be overcome by highly toxic air bag deployment smoke and dust.

FACT - Air bag defiloyment "Smoke" is normal. The air bag is not burning or ruptured. Chemical analysis of the smoke and dust shows no reason for concern. Tests conducted with volunteers, chronic asthmatics highly susceptible to airborne particles, showed that the atmosphere produced by a deployment posed no
respiratory system hazard. Ford has deployed thousands of air bags during its extensive testing. The test engineers and technicians, who regularly handle deployed air bags and test dummies, have not reported ill effects from exposure to the deployments.

MYTH - The vehicle interior, air bag, and occupants will be covered in a hazardous residue. FACT - Any powdery residue consists of corn starch or talcum powder and sodium compounds, mostly sodium carbonates (e.g., baking soda). Very small deposits of sodium hydroxide are also present. The powdery residue may irritate the skin and eyes, but poses no long term health hazard. The powder is slightly alkaline but is not considered toxic.

MYTH - Disconnecting the battery will deploy the air bag in 15 to 20 minutes FACT - This is NOT TRUE. Disconnecting the battery deactivates the air bag system by discharging to ground any stored energy in a back-up power capacitor. Disconnecting the battery cable WILL NOT deploy an air bag.