Self-Guiding Tour

#15   Fire Extinguishers

Throughout the years, many different types of fire extinguishers have been introduced to the public. Fire extinguishers such as pressure-action, pump-action, water, chemical, carbon tetrachloride, sodium bicarbonate were commonplace and many were more of a novelty idea rather than meant to be effective fire extinguishers.

The bulb-type “glass grenade” fire extinguishers were common in homes during the first half of the 20th century. These were filled with carbon tetrachloride, which, although is very effective at extinguishing fires, produces phosgene gas when it comes into contact with flames. Phosgene is a poisonous gas used during WWI.

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