:''This article is about the pressure bomb. For the improvised explosive devices used in Iraq, refer to
Chlorine bombings in Iraq.''
A 'chlorine bomb' is a small-scale device using the pressure of
chlorine gas to produce an explosion. It is made with an airtight container part-filled with rubbing alcohol or similar. When a chlorine tablet is added, it produces an expansive pressure increase, shattering the container.
Popularized in ''
The Anarchist Cookbook'' and ''
The Terrorist Handbook'', such a bomb is a more dangerous alternative to a
dry ice bomb, but likewise generally made by teenagers for recreational use rather than with any intent to harm
[1]. 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 - generally to the bomb makers themselves.
References
1. Snopes report on an attempted assault with a similar device
See also
★
Dry ice bomb