Operation CHARM: Car repair manuals for everyone.

Deployed Air Bag


Deployed Air Bag Assembly

WARNING: You should wear gloves and glasses. After the air bag assembly has been deployed, the surface of the air bag may contain solid particulate. This solid particulate consists primarily of by-products of the chemical reaction, Potassium Chloride and copper metal dust. Compounds of Potassium Borate, Strontium Chloride, Copper Chloride, and Ammonium Chloride may be found in amounts of about 1% (each) of the total particulate."


Driver Airbag Assembly
After the air bag assembly has been deployed, the surface of the air bag may contain solid particulate. This solid particulate consists primarily of by
products of the chemical reaction, Potassium Chloride and copper metal dust. Compounds of Potassium Borate, Strontium Chloride, Copper Chloride, and Ammonium Chloride may be found in amounts of about 1% (each) of the total particulate.

Passenger air bag assembly
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.

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.