Chlorine bomb
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A chlorine bomb is a pressurized canister filled with a reactive substance. When a chlorine tablet is added, it produces an expansive pressure increase, usually shattering the container as the chlorine and other gas substances attempt to escape.
Chlorine bombs are considered improvised explosive devices, and are used in armed conflict including the Iraq war.[citation needed] Popularized in The Anarchist Cookbook and The Terrorist Handbook, they are often made by children and teenagers as well.[citation needed]
The effect of a chlorine pressurized device is non-lethal, however exposure to chlorine and the reactive substances used can cause respiratory problems from inhalation and also cause injury to mucous membranes, similar to tear gas. Most injuries relating to these devices involve bruised hands, blinding and other eye injuries.
Most chlorine bombs are made with a chlorine based substance (bleach or pellets usually) and a catalyst (Pine-Sol, rubbing alcohol, and ammonia are commonly used). The container for a chlorine bomb is usually a plastic bottle with a cap.