These glass balls were filled with carbon tetrachloride. When thrown
on a blaze, the nonflamable liquid smothered the fire.  Carbon tet
is colorless and poisonous. For years it was an accepted grease
solvent and used commonly as a spot remover.  It is *BAD STUFF*
Exposure to carbon tetrachloride can cause severe liver damage.
The balls may still contain lethal amounts.  The glass balls may
explode and release poisonous Phosgene gas into the air--EVEN
WORSE STUFF.  Contact your fire department to empty the glass
balls.

Pat Miller







On Thu, 19 Oct 1995, MARSHAM wrote:

> We have in our collections a blue glass fire extinquisher bottle.  The
> bottle is rounded, fluted with a fairly long neck with a stopper.   The
> questions we have are, how was it used?  Was it thrown at the fire?  And
> what liquid is in the bottle?  Any assistance is gratefully accepted.
> Thanks.
>
> *********************************************************************
>
> Marsha Matthews
>
> Director/Museum Collections         Oregon Historical Society
>
> 1200 SW Park Ave.                      Portland OR  97205
>
> Internet: [log in to unmask]           Telephone: 503/306-5274
>
> FAX: 503/221-2035
>
>
>
> **********************************************************************
>

Patricia L. Miller
Illinois Heritage Association
602 1/2 E. Green St. Champaign, IL 61820
tel: 217-359-5600  e-mail: [log in to unmask]