Turbo Road Flare

State of the Art Electronic Road Flare

Dangers of Chemical Incendiary Flares

Chemical incendiary flares, also known as Emergency Road Flares, contain chemicals that are toxic to the environment. Let’s explore the hazard of the two main formulas. The conventional road flare (contains perchlorates) and the “environmentally safe” no perchlorate formula (NPC).

The material Safety Data Sheets warn the user to avoid shock, impact, or heat. Avoid organic solvents, gasoline, and diesel. Combustion product contain nitrites, nitrates, carbon monoxide, and sulfur dioxide; all of which are toxic to breathe.

The flares are to be stored at ambient temperatures. Ever wondered what could happen to product stored in car trunks at summer temperatures in Phoenix, Albuquerque, Las Vegas, or countless other hot weather places?

Conventional Road Flares Contain

Sodium Nitrate (*)

Sulfur (*)

Potassium Perchlorate (*)

Saw Dust

Paraffin Wax

* Indicates hazardous substance

Environmentally Safe Road Flares (EPC) Contain

Strontium Nitrate (*)

Sulfur (*)

PotassiumNitrate (*)

Potassium Perchlorate (*)

Paraffinic Oil (*)

Waxy Saw Dust

Poly Vinyl Chloride (**)

Shellac (**)

Charcoal

* Indicates hazardous substance

** Indicates hazardous when burned

Evaluation of Chemical vs Electronic Road Flares

See below what can happen with impact when potassium chlorate and sulfur are mixed

Potassium chlorate should be handled with care. It reacts vigorously, and in some cases spontaneously ignites or explodes, when mixed with many combustible materials. It burns vigorously in combination with virtually any combustible material, even those normally only slightly flammable.

Health Effects of Road Flare Chemicals

Nitrates – can contaminate the soil and ground water. Have varying degrees of toxicity to humans, animals, and fish.

Perchlorates – can contaminate the soil and ground water. Have varying degrees of toxicity to humans, animals, and fish. Known to target the thyroid gland in humans, animals, and fish and can cause hypothyroidism. Other studies have shown a negative impact to the pulmonary system as well.

Chlorates – can contaminate the soil and ground water. Can cause eye and skin irritation and burns. When breathed in it can irritate the nose, throat, and lungs. Can cause sneezing, coughing, and sore throat. Repeated exposure may affect the kidneys and nervous system as well. Heating chlorates, such as potassium chlorate, drives off oxygen and converts it to potassium perchlorate.